Johannes Vermeer's painting "Girl with a Pearl Earring" was targeted by climate activists in October 2022. Given the length of time that the demonstrators spent in pre-trial detention, the court said, a prison sentence would have been excessive. To punish these activists severely might have a “chilling effect” on others, the court said in a media statement. Just Stop Oil Belgium is not affiliated with its British namesake, environmental activist group Just Stop Oil. CNN was unable to contact the Belgian organization directly but has reached out to Extinction Rebellion Belgium for comment, as it has previously issued statements on behalf of Just Stop Oil Belgium.

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Persons: Johannes Vermeer’s, Johannes Vermeer's, Lex Van Lieshout Organizations: CNN, Getty, Netherlands Public, Service, Hague, Appeal Locations: Belgian, Belgium, The Hague, Netherlands