Jude Law joins protest over Russia’s prosecution of Greenpeace activists – ‘What is ludicrous is that they have been charged with piracy’

5 October 2013 (BBC News) – Actor Jude Law and musician Damon Albarn have joined hundreds demonstrating in London over piracy charges brought by Russia against 30 Greenpeace activists. Six Britons were among those arrested last month as they protested against oil drilling in the Arctic at a rig owned by Russian firm, Gazprom. Relatives of the activists protested outside Russia’s London embassy. It was one of a number of events being held in more than 40 countries. The entire crew of the ship, Arctic Sunrise, was arrested on 18 September after two activists tried to board the Russian state-controlled oil platform in the Pechora Sea. They have all been charged and are being held in the port of Murmansk, in northwest Russia, facing prison terms of up to 15 years. The Britons who have been charged include freelance video producer, Kieron Bryan, and logistics co-ordinator, Frank Hewetson – both from London. UK activists Anthony Perrett from Newport in Wales; Alexandra Harris, originally from Devon; Philip Ball from Chipping Norton; and Iain Rogers, from Exeter, have also been charged. In London, Saturday’s protesters stood behind banners declaring, “Free the Climate Defenders”, “Journalist and Not Pirate”, and “Free The Arctic 30”. Law, who knows Mr Hewetson, said he was “exercising my right to peacefully protest”. He added: “I am just adding my face and body to the mass of support. What is ludicrous is that they have been charged with piracy.” [more]

Jude Law joins protest over Greenpeace piracy charges