Greenpeace ship Esperanza captain charged over coal protests
Monday, 10 Aug 2009
It is reported that the captain of Greenpeace ship Esperanza has been charged over protests at two north Queensland coal terminals last week.
The captain has been charged with a total of seven charges relating to protests at the Abbot Point terminal near Bowen and the Hay Point terminal south of Mackay.
Police said that Esperanza blocked access to the Hay Point terminal.
A total of 14 other Greenpeace activists have also been charged over the two protests. Activists also chained themselves to the top of the terminal.
Greenpeace campaigner Ms Trish Harrup said that campaigners take steps to highlight their cause. She added that "The captains of Greenpeace ships are always willing to take the steps necessary to highlight the Greenpeace campaigns and Captain Vladimir was very passionate about protecting the Pacific from climate change."
