Responding to reports that Russia has charged Australian citizen Colin Russell with hooliganism, Australian Greens Leader Christine Milne has called on the Prime Minister to end his deafening silence on the Greenpeace arrests.
“The charge of hooliganism and its accompanying seven-year gaol sentence is ridiculous and severe. It is brought against a person who was simply standing up to protect the Arctic from the threat posed by oil drilling,” Senator Milne said.
“I call on Tony Abbott and Julie Bishop to end their deafening silence and intervene at the political level on Mr Russell’s behalf.
“Whilst I acknowledge the consular support being offered by Australian officials, it is no substitute for political representation.
“Australians expect their Prime Minister to stand up for our citizens and for the right to peaceful protest. His silence on this matter is unacceptable.”
Australian Greens Leader Christine Milne
