The Tasmanian Greens today tabled a motion calling for the Speaker of the House of Assembly to write to Russian President Vladimir Putin, urging he intervene to help secure the release from prison of Tasmanian activist Colin Russell.
Greens Leader Nick McKim MP said he hoped that the House would unanimously rally behind this message of solidarity for Colin Russell and his family.
“Mr Russell is an Australian and Tasmanian citizen, who took the brave step of standing up for current and future generations who will be impacted on by climate change,” Mr McKim said.
“We now need to stand up for him and demand he is not left to languish in a Russian gaol.”
“Many Tasmanians are shocked by the heavy-handed treatment of the Arctic 30, and we can all imagine the distress felt by Mr Russell’s family and friends, who are still desperately waiting to have direct contact with him since his arrest in September.”
“We are not the only ones who are disturbed by Russia’s incarceration of Mr Russell and his fellow crew on piracy and hooliganism charges. Recently the Dutch government lodged a formal complaint with the International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea demanding the release of all those under arrest.”
“Russia is aggressively attempting to intimidate peaceful protests highlighting the threat of climate change, in order to protect the vested interests of Russia’s Gazprom energy company.”
“It threatens the fundamental principle of the right to protest and freedom of speech.”
“The Greens hope that tripartite support will be forthcoming for the Speaker of the House of Assembly to write to President Putin urging the release of Mr Russell.”
Nick McKim MP Greens Leader
