15 Activists and 2 Press Men Could Face Jail for Star Wars Action
Greenpeace USA Press Alert
Greenpeace Missile Defense Protesters
Receive Harsh Charges
15 Activists and 2 Press Men
Could Face Jail for Star Wars Action
Los Angeles, California, July 17, 2001--Fifteen Greenpeace
activists and two journalists have been hit with extremely
serious charges after the Star Wars missile test was delayed
on Saturday evening. The group faces jail terms of more than
ten years if found guilty of conspiring to violate a safety
zone and violating an order. (1) The activists from all over
the world appeared at the federal Court in Los Angeles late
into the evening last night. The independent photographer and
videographer were charged along side them.
"Our activists acted with honor and integrity in a courageous,
selfless and non-violent protest against a dangerous program,"
said Gerd Leipold, Executive Director of Greenpeace International.
"They’re from across the world and reflect a growing global opposition
to Star Wars. The photographer and videographer were present simply
to do their jobs as independent witnesses. These incredibly harsh
charges against a totally peaceful act of opposition are a clear
indication of President Bush's single-minded and arrogant insistence
on deploying a Star Wars missile system, and his need to silence all
dissent to do it," Leipold added.
Read the complete release:
http://www.greenpeaceusa.org/media/press_releases/01_07_17.htm
Contact:
Carol Gregory (805) 291-1747 in California;
Kymberly Escobar in Washington, D.C. office
www.greenpeaceusa.org/media/press_releases/01_07_17.htm
Original: Greenpeace Missile Defense Protesters Receive Harsh Charges