Protesters were kept within a tight police cordon for more than four hours A High Court ruling on whether police in London acted lawfully when they used “kettling” tactics at the G20 protests two years ago is expected later.
Chris Abbott, Hannah McClure and Josh Moos have challenged the Metropolitan Police’s (Met) containment strategy.
They are accused of unlawful restraint and using unacceptable violence to break up the camp in Bishopsgate.
The Met said they feared trouble-seekers leaving a nearby violent protest would hijack the camp.
During the protests in April 2009 police officers enforced a tight cordon around demonstrators outside the European Climate Exchange for more than four hours.
The police said they imposed the kettle at about 1900 BST because people were being dispersed from the Royal Exchange demonstration where violence had broken out.
They said they feared trouble-seeking individuals leaving the Royal Exchange would hijack the climate camp.
While mostly peaceful, the police said there had been incidents at the camp throughout the day including damage to police carriers as well as bottles, coins and other items thrown at the police lines.
During the three-day hearing, the legality of the use of riot shields to hit individuals in so called “shield strikes” was also questioned.
The police said a shield was part of an officer’s protective equipment and could be used to the extent “that use of force is reasonable and proportionate”.
Sir Anthony May and Mr Justice Sweeney are expected to deliver their judgement later.
If he rules in favour of the protesters they could be awarded damages.
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