As of Monday, Essex police have arrested nearly 200 climate activists for myriad offenses related to ongoing protests aimed at disrupting the work of area oil refineries. The protestors were affiliated with Just Stop Oil, a coalition of activist groups working to end efforts by UK authorities to undertake new fossil fuel licensing and production initiatives.

In a press statement, Just Stop Oil explained on Sunday that for the past three days, their supporters had disrupted oil supplies from seven facilities near London and Birmingham “in support of their demand to the UK government to end new oil and gas projects in the UK.” These activities included climbing on and blocking oil tankers, entering loading bays, standing on oil tankers, and sitting on roads that provide access to these facilities.

“In total, we have now made 172 arrests in relation to a number of protests which took place in the Thurrock area and we continue to engage with a small number of people remaining in situ,” Essex police announced in a statement Monday.

“I want to again emphasize that policing is not anti-protest, and we will always endeavor to facilitate protest where we can. However, we must intervene when there is a risk to life or where laws are being broken – and we will continue to do so.” Essex Police Assistant Chief Constable Rachel Nolan, said, as quoted in the police statement.” The statement noted that charges had included conspiracy to cause a public nuisance, possession of articles to commit criminal damage, and aiding and abetting criminal damage.