(MENAFN) In a provocative demonstration aimed at highlighting environmental concerns, climate activists targeted Stonehenge, one of Britain's most iconic prehistoric monuments, coating parts of the ancient stones with orange powder paint. The incident, captured on footage released by British group Just Stop Oil, involved two individuals using fire extinguishers to spray the substance onto several stones at the UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Authorities swiftly apprehended the activists, identified as Rajan Naidu, 73, and Niamh Lynch, 21, who were subsequently released on bail pending further investigation, according to Wiltshire Police. The act of vandalism occurred just ahead of the summer solstice celebrations at Stonehenge, drawing widespread attention and condemnation.

Just Stop Oil defended their actions, asserting that the protest was aimed at urging the United Kingdom government to accelerate efforts to phase out fossil fuel extraction and combustion by 2030. They clarified that the orange powder paint used was corn flour, which they claimed would dissipate with rainfall and cause no lasting harm to the ancient stones.

Following the incident, English Heritage, custodians of Stonehenge, reported that experts had inspected the site and found no visible damage to the monument after it was promptly cleaned. Despite this reassurance, the act has sparked significant debate about the limits of protest actions and the preservation of cultural heritage sites.

British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak condemned the vandalism, labeling Just Stop Oil as "a disgrace" in his response on social media. The incident underscores the ongoing tensions between environmental activism and the protection of historical landmarks, prompting calls for robust measures to safeguard both heritage sites and the right to protest in the United Kingdom.

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