Speaking to the Toronto Sun, Fantino called Greenpeace's
peaceful blocking of a 30,000 tonne coal shipment "dangerous and
despicable," calling it "nothing but anarchy." In the article
Fantino vows to investigate Greenpeace thoroughly, and laments that
the OPP, after studying ways to seize the ship, found that marine
law stood in the way.
"Greenpeace embraces the proud tradition of non-violent, civil
disobedience. Police action to subvert peaceful protest should be a
concern to all Canadians who treasure civil rights," said Bruce
Cox, executive director of Greenpeace Canada. "Commissioner Fantino
should think long and hard before he embarks on a political witch
hunt against a non-profit environmental organization."
Clayton Ruby, Member of the Order of Canada and prominent Civil
Rights Lawyer, said "The Ontario Provincial Police should not be in
the business of trying to shut down non governmental organizations.
There are police states where that is the rule of government, but
this is not one of them."
Commissioner Fantino's comments confirm Greenpeace's concerns
that police forces have been wasting valuable resources
investigating non-violent civil society. Since arriving in Canada
almost two weeks ago, Greenpeace has been subjected to an extensive
search of their vessel, ongoing police surveillance and Canadian
Security Intelligence Service (CSIS) interviewing volunteer and
staff.
"We will not be silenced by intimidation," affirmed Cox. "We
call on all political parties and their leaders to condemn this
blatant attempt to shut down public debate about important election
issues."
Cox says the McGuinty government promised Ontarians a debate on
Ontario's energy future and failed to deliver: "They quietly
cancelled an environmental assessment on the energy plan and we now
learn from the chief of the provincial police force that they were
studying ways to stop Greenpeace from promoting energy issues. This
doesn't sound like open, democratic debate," said Cox.
Greenpeace has requested an urgent meeting with Commissioner
Fantino. The Arctic Sunrise arrives at Toronto's Harbourfront early
this afternoon.
VVPR info: For more information, please contact:Jane Story, Greenpeace communications officer, (416) 930-9055Bruce Cox, Greenpeace executive director, (416) 419-7341