Activist who taped head to ‘Girl with a pearl earring’ in appeal

A court in The Hague imposed a two-month prison sentence on Mouton on Wednesday, one of which was suspended. Pieter G., also a Belgian, who filmed the climate action, received the same punishment. The Public Prosecution Service had demanded four months in prison against the men, two of which were conditional. Mouton will now appeal against the conviction, because he thinks the sentence is too high.

According to lawyer Azzaad Ramsaroep, he has done everything he can to prevent damage to the painting. Only the frame and back plate sustained minor damage. “This is not the way to deal with an activist,” Ramsaroep said. The judge ruled that Mouton had to go to jail immediately. Ramsaroep will ask whether his client can be released for the time being pending the appeal. Pieter G.’s lawyer said earlier that he was still thinking about an appeal.

A third activist will not appear in court until Friday. Mouton also made himself noticed in Belgium with climate actions during, among other things, the Tour of Flanders in cycling and the cup final in football.