Greenpeace volunteers hold candles outside the Russian Embassy in Wellington, New Zealand at dawn to mark the beginning of an emergency global day of solidarity calling for the Arctic 30 to be released from Russian jail cells. Peaceful events are planned in more than 80 cities in 45 countries across the world.

Twenty-eight Greenpeace International activists from the Greenpeace ship Arctic Sunrise, as well as two freelance journalists, have been charged with piracy in Russia. If convicted, the offence carries a maximum 15 year jail term. New Zealanders Jonathan Beauchamp and David Haussmann were among those charged.

Left to right Jay Harkness, Nathan Argent, Jason Dahlke, Kate Paris, Anna Collett.

Photos - Mark Coote/Greenpeace

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