In Scotland, authorities say 25 environmental activists were taken into custody after attempting to disrupt the Scottish Grand National event. The incident was described by Deputy Chief of Police Tim Meyers as a coordinated effort by protesters aimed at interrupting the race proceedings. The actions unfolded as the scheduled main event approached, prompting a rapid response from both racecourse staff and law enforcement. Officers reported that the group breached perimeter barriers and moved toward the track, prompting security measures intended to prevent any escalation and to protect participants and spectators. The swift intervention appears to have averted a scenario that could have escalated into broader disorder, with police emphasizing that crowd control and incident management were exercised to maintain safety and order throughout the heightened moment. [Source: Police Scotland]
Separately in Europe, German authorities reported the incarceration of three members of the activist collective Letzte Generation. Die Welt described the sentencing as the harshest punishment to date in Germany for members of this group associated with climate-related demonstrations. The report noted that three men and one woman were found guilty, receiving prison terms of five, four, and three months, while one defendant was given a suspended sentence. The case underscores ongoing tensions surrounding protest tactics and public demonstrations, highlighting how courts in different jurisdictions are handling political activism, civil disobedience, and public safety concerns. [Source: Die Welt]