Activists Throw Soup on Van Gogh Paintings Again
take a hard line: to be very strict and firm about something, not allowing any exceptions
In 2022, climate activists Phoebe Plummer and Anna Holland made news when they threw soup on Vincent van Gogh’s famous Sunflowers painting. The painting was protected by glass and was not damaged. Even though the artwork remained unharmed, Judge Christopher Hehir took a hard line. He sentenced the two Just Stop Oil activists to two years and 20 months in prison. The judge said they had no right to attack such an important artwork and needed to face serious punishment.
The severe decision shocked many. However, if the goal was to stop future protests, the judge’s decision did not work. Just one hour after the two activists were sent to jail, three more activists threw soup on two Van Gogh paintings in the same museum.
Sample sentences
My boss takes a hard line on meeting deadlines; there are no excuses.
The city decided to take a hard line against littering by increasing fines.
Parents sometimes need to take a hard line to teach important lessons.
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Just Stop Oil activists throw soup at Van Gogh’s Sunflowers after fellow protesters jailed