Greenpeace has been ordered to pay over $660 million to Energy Transfer, the operator of the controversial Dakota Access Pipeline, following a verdict by a jury in North Dakota.

This ruling stems from a defamation lawsuit related to protests that took place against the pipeline during 2016 and 2017, in which Greenpeace was actively involved.

The Dakota Access Pipeline stretches from North Dakota, near the Canadian border, to Illinois, and has been operational since 2017. Energy Transfer accused Greenpeace of orchestrating demonstrations against the project and disseminating false claims that led to substantial economic damages.

The company asserted that these actions constituted defamation.

In response to the jury's finding, Greenpeace refuted the allegations, asserting that the verdict represents an infringement on the rights to assemble and express opinions.

Mads Christensen, the organization's international executive director, emphasized that Greenpeace intends to pursue the case further, stating, "We will not back down and will not be silenced."

The legal battle has broader implications, as it touches on issues of environmental advocacy, corporate interests, and free speech in the context of activism.

The outcome of this case may influence future interactions between environmental organizations and corporations over protest activities.