Support rallies for Arctic 30 climate change heroes

The Tasmanian Greens threw their support behind the Greenpeace activists, including Tasmanian Colin Russell, facing between 10 to 15 years in a Russian gaol, as rallies calling for their freedom were held in capital cities around the nation today.

Greens Leader Nick McKim MP called on all Tasmanian and Federal elected representatives to speak up against the absurd piracy charges laid by the Russian authorities against the entire Arctic Sunrise 30-member crew.

“Colin Russell and his Arctic Sunrise crewmates were standing up for the health and survival of our planet when they conducted their peaceful protest to highlight the dangers of reckless drilling for oil in the fragile Arctic, and they now need us to stand up for them,” Mr McKim said.

“The human rights of these peaceful activists have already been jeopardised by being detained for over two weeks, and deprived of family contact, and now these brave campaigners face extraordinary piracy charges carrying a potential incarceration sentence of 15 years.”

“Climate change is the most urgent and biggest threat facing our global village. The ‘Arctic 30’, and others striving for, and literally putting their lives and freedom on the line to save, our global village are heroes.”

“The Greens urge all Tasmanians to call for common sense to prevail, and lobby Foreign Minister Julie Bishop to call for the immediate release of the Arctic 30.”

“Our thoughts are with the families, friends of colleagues, of Mr Russell and his crewmates, at this incredibly shocking and difficult time. The Greens are honoured to stand with them in support of the Arctic 30.”
Nick McKim MP Greens Leader