Tag Archives: Protest

Japan Give Portugal a Chance!

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Yesterday (9th May) we were at the Japanese Embassy demanding the withdrawal of the proposal it has to host the 2009 IWC meeting.
Things looked a bit grim to start with; I locked myself out of my car, so I had to highjack my own vehicle, got lost in Lisbon, got stuck in the traffic but managed to arrive at the venue in time.
There were 13 people there, posters and banners in hand, headed in the embassy and asked to speak with someone from the Japanese Embassy. After having to present ID and so on to the police force appointed to “take care” of us, we ere received by 2 Japanese delegates, delivered our message for them to convey to Tokyo: please withdraw your proposal, we would appreciate it!
They asked us to make an appointment next time in order to have the appropriate person to discuss the subject with us, I said yes. But I’m still wondering if they want us to make an prior arrangement to be sure next time we wouldn’t get in the building even or not … (see video below)

IWC Meeting Caribbean + Smack Down

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As the International Whaling Commission (IWC) meeting in St Kitts concluded its proceedings today, a peaceful protest carried out by Greenpeace was abruptly broken up by the authorities, who arrested ten activists and ship crew from the Greenpeace ship Arctic Sunrise. The protestors were attempting to highlight the number of whales killed during the last whaling season in the so-called Southern Oceans Whale Sanctuary. (…) “To have arrests happen over a peaceful protest is ludicrous – the real safety issues are on the high-seas where whales are under threat and are being killed on an on-going basis,” said Mike Townsley, Greenpeace International spokesperson. “It’s about time the IWC and nations of the world take heed and realise that this slaughter cannot continue. Greenpeace is on the side of good by protecting whales and the environment they live in.
“Greenpeace is a peaceful protest organisation and we will return to the Southern Ocean Whale Sanctuary later this year, where we will continue to defend the 935 minke whales and ten fin whales which are the target of the Fisheries Agency of Japan’s grenade tipped harpoons,” concluded Townsley. (read more here)

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View video from action here

Read also Mike Townsley report from prison:
PART I (Sleepless in Smack Down)
PART II (Come back soon)