Feature story - May 4, 2005
Do people who peacefully protested against the illegal war in Iraq deserve to be branded criminals and thrown in jail? Fortunately, a Spanish judge agreed with Greenpeace: no.
Inflatables protesting in front of Rota naval Base where there is a heavy presence of military vessels.
The sentence in the Spanish court case against five Greenpeace anti-war activists has been returned, and the news is good. Lawrence Turk, Carlos Bravo and Teresa Ambros have been acquitted. Phyll Lloyd was condemned for public disorders and fined 600 Euros. Daniel Rizzotti, captain of the Rainbow Warrior, was found guilty of public disobedience and sentenced to six months jail - but it is important to note that in Spain, offenses requiring less than two years do not carry jail time.
"This sentence better reflects the nature of the charges than the disproportionate and abusive charges made by the prosecution," said Juan Lopez de Uralde, executive director of Greenpeace Spain. "This sentence closes a dark period which was marked by the intention to silence Greenpeace and our campaigns. In a certain way we feel strengthened by this sentence that recognizes the valuable work of our organization. We will continue working for the defense of our environment and for peace."
The "Crime"
These five activists stood up against the former Spanish government's support for the Iraq war. Greenpeace activists in other countries such as the UK, Netherlands, Chile and France were also arrested during anti-war protests but none received such severe charges and violent treatment as those in Spain.
On March 14, 2003 the Rainbow Warrior was protesting against the war at a Spanish port used to send war supplies to Iraq. During the action Lawrence and María were arrested. Military police also forcefully boarded the Rainbow Warrior and arrested the ship's captain Daniel, along with Carlos and Phillip. After 12 hours in custody, they were all eventually released with charges of resisting arrest and disobedience, and physical damage to property.
The activists faced possible sentences of four years imprisonment for Daniel, three years for Carlos and Phillip, and nine months for Lawrence and María. In total, almost 12 years behind bars! Additionally,
several activists were injured during the violent arrests, and unnecessary damage was inflicted to the Rainbow Warrior.
The extent of the charges requested by the prosecution were yet another impact of the Iraq war on otherwise civil societies: reduced civil liberties and restrictions on the rights to peaceful protest. A war which was theoretically dedicated to fostering democracy has undermined it.