Junichi Sato and Toru Suzuki, known as the Tokyo Two, exposed widespread corruption in Japan's whaling programme – in return, they have been handed a disproportionate one year jail term, suspended for three years. However, despite the unjust punishment the two anti-whaling activists stood in court as heroes, having successfully put whaling on trial, both in court, and in Japan's national media.

Greenpeace activists are always prepared to take responsibility for their actions, and standing up in court for what we believe in is often a result of taking appropriate, peaceful action. However, it is unacceptable for the authorities to ignore human rights and freedom of expression.

You can stand by Junichi, Toru and the whales by sending an e-mail to Japan's Foreign Minister now.