PM must pick up the phone to Putin and ask that Arctic 30 be included in Russian Amnesty

The Australian Greens are calling on Prime Minister Abbott to pick up the phone to Russian President Vladimir Putin to help ensure the Arctic 30 are included in an upcoming Russian Amnesty. A technicality in the draft text means the Arctic 30 are currently excluded, despite others charged with hooliganism being included in the decree.

“The Prime Minister now has the perfect opportunity to intervene on behalf of an Australian citizen who is facing serious and ridiculous charges in Russia over a peaceful protest,” said Australian Greens Leader Christine Milne.

“A minor technicality in the draft amnesty text could leave Colin Russell and other members of the Arctic 30 waiting months on end for their trials to be scheduled and heard in Russia.

“Colin Russell and the other peaceful protesters who make up the Arctic 30 have already endured months of imprisonment and now wait in limbo in St Petersburg.

“There is a clear way for Prime Minister Abbott to assist in securing his release – he simply needs to pick up the phone to President Putin with this simple request.

“The Australian people expect their Prime Minister to defend Australians who are potentially facing years in a foreign prison for peaceful protest actions. The Australian Greens implore the Prime Minister to speak to President Putin and ensure that a technicality does not stand in the way of the Arctic 30’s release.”
Australian Greens Leader Christine Milne