LONDON: Two environmental protesters appeared in a UK court Saturday after throwing tomato soup over one of Vincent van Gogh's "Sunflowers" paintings at London's National Gallery.
Following the latest "direct-action" stunt targeting works of art, Anna Holland, 20, and Phoebe Plummer, 21, both pleaded not guilty to criminal damage.
The painting itself was protected by a screen but damage was caused to the frame, according to the gallery in Trafalgar Square.
District judge Tan Irkam released the two women on bail, pending a trial on December 13 in London.
Holland and Plummer, climate activists with the group Just Stop Oil, also glued themselves to the gallery wall during Friday´s protest.
Another Just Stop Oil protest on Friday targeted the New Scotland Yard headquarters of London's Metropolitan Police, who arrested 28 demonstrators.
Lora Johnson, 38, pleaded not guilty to criminal damage in the same London court Saturday after allegedly spraying orange paint on the New Scotland Yard sign, as others blocked the road outside.
Onlooking tourists warned woman to step away from giant bull
Slovakia media says attack was carried out by 71-year-old former security guard who shot premier five times
US President, Republican candidate to engage in US Elections debate
Saudi Arabia is building Neom megacity worth $1.5 trillion
Mukesh Ambani's daughter could not make it to Met Gala 2024 in NYC
UK downs student visas by 80%