Greenpeace captain arrested for defending the Pacific

Greenpeace took the action to highlight the dramatic expansion of Australia's export coal capacity during the Pacific Island Forum, which saw Pacific Leaders agree to a disastrous climate deal.

"Aiming to limit global warming to 2 degrees spells certain disaster for Pacific Islands, and leaves Kevin Rudd's moral credibility  in tatters," said Greenpeace climate campaigner Trish Harrup, on board the Esperanza.

"The kind of action that Greenpeace took is vital," said Fijian Greenpeace Campaigner Lagi Toribau. "Our communities at home are being displaced and the existence of low lying states like Tuvalu is threatened.

14 activists were arrested in the last week for participating in peaceful direct action to defend the Pacific.

They face charges which range from "engaging in unregulated high risk activity", to trespass and obstructing police. The four climbers who were locked on to a coal loader 50 metres above the ground were also charged for leaving their hammocks behind.

The latest arrest of Captain Votiacov shows that Greenpeace is taking the impacts of burning coal more seriously than the Australian and New Zealand governments.
The Esperanza continues its public campaign by holding an Open Boat in Cairns tomorrow, to alert people to how climate change is already impacting on Pacific Islanders, and how they can get involved to defend the Australia and the Pacific from this global threat.

For photos of Esperanza blockading coal terminal

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