Dear Minister Kwon
Request for Meeting regarding the Deportation of three Greenpeace Staff ([1])
Greenpeace, an international environment NGO with a presence in over 41 countries, is a peaceful organisation that only engages in non-violent campaigns for the better protection of the people and the environment.
As the Executive Director of Greenpeace International, I was personally shocked this afternoon upon arrival at Incheon International Airport to find that three senior staff accompanying me to Korea were refused entry at immigration and deported from what is supposed to be a first world democratic country.
Greenpeace has been completely transparent regarding the purpose of my visit, which is to promote the visit of Greenpeace vessel Esperanza’s “Energy Hope Tour” and to meet with government officials, political leaders, and prominent members of civil society to promote our renewable energy vision for Korea and explore collaboration on Greenpeace’s domestic and global nuclear campaign.
Deporting Greenpeace staff engaged in peaceful activities in Korea goes against the principles of representative democracy, and severely undermines the image Korea is attempting to portray to the international community – that it is an active international player in climate talks and environmental protection.
I would like to request an urgent meeting with your Ministry regarding this deportation matter. Please advise a time and date for this meeting at your earliest convenience. Should you have any inquiry, please contact our Senior Officer at Greenpeace Seoul Office, Mr Pino Lee.
Yours sincerely
Kumi Naidoo
International Executive Director
[1] Note:The three Greenpeace senior staff who were deported are:
i) Dr. Mario Damato, Malta/ EU passport holder, Executive Director of Greenpeace East Asia, Representative of Greenpeace in Korea
ii) Fung Ka Keung, British National (Overseas) passport holder, Organisation Support and Regional Development Director, Greenpeace East Asia
iii) Rashid Kang, Malaysian passport holder, Organisational Development Manager for Greenpeace Seoul
|