4 October 2013

NZ Govt must do all it can for Greenpeace activists

The New Zealand Government must use all means at its disposal to seek the release of two New Zealanders who have been charged with piracy in Russia, Green Party MP Gareth Hughes said today.

Two New Zealand Greenpeace activists involved in a Greenpeace protest in the Arctic, Jonathan Beauchamp and David Haussmann, have now been charged with piracy. The offence of piracy is punishable in Russia by up to 15 years in prison.

“The Dutch Government has taken a far stronger stance in defending its citizens rights than ours has up to this point,” Mr Hughes said.

The Dutch government last month called on Moscow to release the activists immediately and said it was considering legal action.

“The New Zealand Government needs to speak out on this issue and let the world know that we will not let our citizens rot in a Russian jail on trumped up charges of piracy.

“The Arctic is possibly the most important battleground in the climate fight, and it’s imperative that dangerous drilling, like that which the protestors were trying to highlight, doesn’t go ahead.

“Our Ministry of Foreign Affairs should be making the release of these brave activists one of their top priorities.

“The Minister of Foreign Affairs Murray McCully needs to be in communication with the Russian ambassador on this matter.

“Russia wants to showcase itself to the world next year with the Winter Olympics. New Zealand needs to advise Russia that charging our citizens with piracy is not going to assist their image.

“Now is the time for the New Zealand Government to come out strongly to defend Jonathan Beauchamp and David Haussmann,” said Mr Hughes.

Note: Gareth Hughes will be in attendance at a protest outside the Russian embassy in Messines Road, Karori, Wellington Saturday October 5.  The protest begins at 1pm. 

ENDS

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Trial Over 'Anonymous' Donations: John Banks Resigns As Minister

ACT Leader John Banks today confirmed that he has stood down from his Ministerial positions following today’s decision at the Auckland District Court.

“Last week I indicated to the Prime Minister’s Chief of Staff that I would offer my resignation should the matter relating to my 2010 Mayoral Electoral return be committed to trial,” Mr Banks said...

“I intend to continue in my role as ACT Leader and MP for Epsom, and ACT will continue to support National on matters of confidence and supply. More>>