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Greenpeace must compensate pipeline company for Standing Rock protests to the tune of $667 Million, a jury has ruled.

A jury ruled Wednesday that Greenpeace had to pay $667 million as damages to a Texas-based company for its role in the 2016-2017 protests in North Dakota against the Dakota Access Pipeline.

The verdict was announced in North Dakota's state court after two days of debate in a case where Energy Transfer, a pipeline company, accused Greenpeace that it had paid protesters to disrupt the construction of the pipeline illegally and spread falsehoods regarding the controversial project located near the Standing Rock Indian Reservation.

The jury awarded damages for defamation and trespassing, as well as conspiracy. The jury awarded punitive damages of more than $400,000,000 to punish the defendants.

Greenpeace has denied any wrongdoing, and called this case an assault on the right to free speech. The lawyers for the group said that they will appeal Wednesday's decision.

We're a group that advocates for social causes. Greenpeace lawyer Deepa Padmanabha said that they engage in peaceful demonstrations.

Energy Transfer lawyer Trey Cox stated in a press release that Greenpeace’s "violent" and "destructive" protests are not protected by law.

The jury has delivered a unanimous verdict today, calling Greenpeace's conduct illegal, wrong and inacceptable by social standards. Cox stated that it is time for Greenpeace to face the consequences and take responsibility.

Environmental and tribal groups protested the construction of the pipeline, claiming that it would poison the local water supply and worsen climate change.

The project started in 2016 and ended the following year. This pipeline transports about 40% of North Dakota's Bakken oil. (Reporting and editing by Alexia Garamfalvi, Cynthia Osteri and Jack Queen from New York)

(source: Reuters)