Feature story - July 4, 2003
Supporters in 14 cities around the world protested in front of Spanish embassies. Over 30,000 cyberactivists sent emails to the Spanish government asking for the ship's release. Even rock stars and politicians offered their help. The result: a resounding victory!
Rainbow Warrior in full sail off Honolulu, Hawaii.
The Government of Spain through its Ministry of Public Works and
Transport has resolved to lower the bond that was placed on our
flagship, the Rainbow Warrior, from 300,000 to 6,000.
We have deposited the bond and the Rainbow Warrior has left the
Port of Valencia to continue the campaign to protect the world's
last remaining ancient forests.
"Common sense has finally prevailed," said Juan Lopez de Uralde,
executive director of Greenpeace in Spain. "In any case, we will
continue to defend in the courts the illegality of this case, but
the ship must continue its work to protect the ancient forests and
the environment."
In the official communiqué from the Spanish authorities, the
Ministry admitted that "the amount (300,000) corresponds to a
violation of 'very grave' character", that "The facts that have
given way to the current measures have not tended to secure any
personal profit or interest, therefore the existence of any
commercial or lucrative gain is discarded" and that "it should be
taken into account the time which has already transpired since June
13, when the ship was detained in the port, and the inherent
consequences of said detention all parties have suffered."
The Rainbow Warrior was detained by Spanish authorities on 13
June after activists carried out a peaceful, non-violent protest
against the timber transport ship, Honour. The Honour was carrying
timber from Cameroon, belonging to companies known to be involved
in illegal and destructive logging. After the demonstration, the
Rainbow Warrior was boarded by the Spanish Civil Guard and detained
in the Port of Valencia.