Putin Pronounces on Greenpeace Arctic Fracas

In their latest statement Greenpeace International responds to President Putin’s remarks regarding 'Arctic Sunrise' activists, as follows:

According to media reports, Russian President Vladimir Putin has declared that the 30 Greenpeace International activists detained by Russian authorities after an Arctic drilling protest are ‘obviously not pirates’, but has suggested that they may have broken international laws. He made these remarks at an Arctic forum in Salekhard.

All 30 activists remain under arrest near Murmansk, apparently in different locations. Five people were interviewed last night by the Investigative Committee and served papers confirming they were are being investigated for piracy offences. They have not been charged with any offences.  

Responding, Greenpeace International Executive Director Kumi Naidoo said: “We welcome President Putin’s recognition that our activists are clearly not pirates and acted purely out of concern for the Arctic environment.  

“Our climbers attempted to attach themselves to the side of the platform to raise attention to the threat of Arctic oil drilling in this fragile environment and the urgent need to deal with climate change. This was a peaceful protest against Gazprom’s ambitions to be the first company to pump oil from icy Arctic seas.”

Russian authority's video footage can be viewed at: http://youtu.be/rFF0JTG2-Y8