Greta Thunberg pleads not guilty over pro-Palestinian protest

• Case stems from a pro-Palestinian protest at the University of Copenhagen.
• Thunberg argues states and institutions bear responsibility for the Gaza crisis.
• Defense seeks acquittal; prosecutors are pursuing fines.

World-renowned Swedish activist Greta Thunberg appeared before a Copenhagen court on Wednesday, entering a plea of absolute innocence against charges of criminal trespassing and illegal entry at the University of Copenhagen.

The trial tracks back to her arrest in September 2024, when Danish police detained Thunberg alongside several student activists during a sit-in organized by the "Students Against the Occupation" movement.

The protest aimed to pressure the university administration into cutting institutional and financial ties with 'Israel' amid the devastating conflict in the Gaza Strip.

Turning tables in courtroom

Instead of adopting a defensive posture, Thunberg used her testimony to challenge the moral and legal foundations of the prosecution's case.

She argued that the judicial system is targeting peaceful demonstrators while ignoring structural violations of international law.

"The ones who should be brought to justice are those who help, enable, and worsen the ongoing genocide in the Gaza Strip," Thunberg stated firmly before the court.

The activist expanded her argument by stating that global institutions and sovereign nations are bound by clear legal and ethical obligations to immediately halt any direct or indirect complicity in human rights abuses.

She expressed deep disappointment that peaceful activists shedding light on suspected war crimes are being systematically dragged through the courts, while the true authors of global crises enjoy total impunity.

Defense demands total acquittal

Thunberg's defense attorney, Tyge Trier, confirmed to reporters that the state prosecution is seeking to impose strict monetary fines on Thunberg and the accompanying students involved in the campus building takeover.

However, the defense team has rejected any plea deal or settlement, maintaining an unyielding demand for absolute acquittal.

The legal proceedings have drawn a massive crowd to the courthouse steps.

Scores of human rights advocates, local students, and anti-war demonstrators have gathered outside the building, waving banners reading "Students Against the Occupation" and chanting slogans in solidarity with Thunberg.

The high-profile trial is expected to continue through Thursday, June 25, when a final verdict is anticipated.