On Thursday 19 September, 28 Greenpeace International activists and two freelance photojournalists were arrested under armed guard off the Russian coast after a peaceful protest against Arctic oil drilling.
UPDATE: 3 October – Peaceful Greenpeace activists have been charged with piracy overnight, which carries a maximum sentence of 15 years in a Russian jail.
Our brave friends took a stand to protect the Arctic and our climate. Now they need you to take a stand for them and for our planet. Join us across Australia on Saturday 5 October for a peaceful act of solidarity in support of Alex, Colin (Russell, from Tasmania), Jon – and the rest of the Arctic 30.
Adelaide
When: From 12pm, Saturday 5 October
Where: Russian Consulate, Port Adelaide
Hobart
When: From 10am, Saturday 5 October
Where: Parliament Square Gardens
Sydney
When: From 12pm, Saturday 5 October
Where: Bondi Surf Pavilion, Queen Elizabeth Drive, Bondi Beach
Melbourne
When: From 12pm, Saturday 5 October
Where: Flinders Street Railway Station (meet at the steps)
Brisbane
When: From 8am to 8:30am, Saturday 5 October
Where: Wilson’s Outlook, Bowen Terrace, Fortitude Valley, Brisbane
Print out one of our Arctic 30 posters, banners or other resources, bring your friends, and come along!
If you’re unable to come to an event, there are many other ways you can show your solidarity.
Please send a message to the Russian embassy urging the release of our activists, and share this event with friends who may be able to attend.
About the campaign
Russian oil company Gazprom just signed a deal with Shell, and together they are leading efforts to drill in the melting Arctic. In September 2013, Arctic sea ice reached its lowest yearly point – the sixth lowest in recorded history. Greenpeace is campaigning for a ban on offshore drilling in the Arctic, and for the uninhabited area around the North Pole to be declared a global sanctuary.
• BBC: Health of oceans ‘declining fast’
• SMH: Climate Council reports warmest September on record
• Christine Milne: PM Abbott must meet Putin at APEC on Australian Greenpeace detainee
