Protest attack at the National Gallery

In England, two members of an environmental group have been detained for breaking the protective glass of a painting on display at the National Gallery in the capital, London.

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According to reports in the national press, two members of the environmental group "Just Stop Oil" broke the protective glass of the painting titled "Rokeby Venus," which is on display at the National Gallery in the capital, London, using emergency exit hammers.

British police have detained the two environmentalists.

In a statement on X, the environmental group said, "The UK government has announced plans for more oil licenses, knowing full well that it will kill millions. In response, two members of Just Stop Oil have smashed the protective glass of the Rokeby Venus, which was also targeted by Mary Richardson in 1914."

The statement noted that the policy has failed activists, adding, "It failed women in 1914 and it is failing us now. New oil and natural gas (licenses) will kill millions. If we love art, life, and our families, we must stop oil."

The artwork, created by Spanish painter Diego Velazquez in the 1600s, was previously damaged by women's rights activist Mary Richardson in 1914.

More than 40 activists also detained during protest near the Cenotaph monument

British police announced that more than 40 Just Stop Oil activists who were demonstrating on Downing Street, where the Prime Minister's Office at Number 10 is located, have also been detained.

The activists stated that they were protesting near the Cenotaph monument on Whitehall Street in London, where the Prime Minister's office and several ministries are located, and that they did not damage the monument.