The Effects of Criminalisation on Activists: The Case of the NoTAP Environmental Movement
December 1st, 2025
In the article “The Effects of Criminalisation on Activists: The Case of the NoTAP Environmental Movement”, published in Critical Criminology (vol. 33, 2025), Anna Di Ronco examines how processes of criminalisation shape the experiences and everyday lives of individuals involved in dissent.
Drawing on a qualitative study based on eighteen interviews with members of the NoTAP movement, the article shows that although activists encountered various forms of repression — including police violence, surveillance, and public stigmatisation — the most profound effects of demobilisation, discouragement, and personal distress stem from the more advanced phases of the repressive cycle, particularly judicial repression (trials, convictions, bunker courtrooms) and economic repression (heavy fines and legal costs).
The contribution highlights the importance of considering the full cycle of criminalisation, shedding light on how non-criminal punitive measures can significantly restrict the rights to protest and democratic participation. At the same time, the article stands as a call to critical criminology to continue listening to, supporting, and giving visibility to those who face such repression for defending their land and their rights.
The article is available in English and can be accessed freely on the journal’s website.
The contribution earned the author the 2025 Best Article Award from the American Society of Criminology – Division of Critical Criminology and Social Justice.