Joseph,

Thank you so much for the encouraging comments you left for the activists that were detained by the Russian Coast Guard, we really appreciate your support. However, I'm writing now to update you on some disturbing developments.

It’s a tense and dramatic moment on the high seas of the Russian Arctic.

Just hours ago, a helicopter descended suddenly on the Greenpeace International ship Arctic Sunrise, where we were protesting against Gazprom’s plans to drill for oil in these pristine and remote waters. Armed officials of the Russian Coast Guard stormed the ship, holding 25 activists - including two Canadians - on their knees at gunpoint. Seconds later, communications from the ship were cut off. We are seriously concerned for their safety, and are demanding that the Russian authorities free all the activists and withdraw from our ship immediately.

Please send an urgent email to the Russian Embassy in Canada demanding they free our activists!

This illegal seizure of our ship and crew comes after two of our activists were arrested early yesterday morning for taking part in a peaceful protest on the Prirazlomnaya Arctic oil platform to stop Shell’s new partner, Gazprom from becoming the first company to produce oil from the icy waters of the region. They were held overnight against their will by the Russian authorities with no charges or legal representation. 

Right now, all around the world, hundreds of supporters are flooding the streets outside the Russian embassies in their countries, to demand the release of the people who put their bodies on the line to protect the Arctic from oil destruction. They’re there on behalf of our movement of nearly 4 million, and we cannot allow them to be threatened for standing up for their beliefs.

The Russian authorities have called us “terrorists,” but it’s clear the real threat to the fragile Arctic comes from the reckless oil companies that are determined to profit from Arctic oil -- no matter what the cost. Together we must show we are stronger than than those who want to destroy the Arctic, and will not be intimidated into silence.

Click here to email the Russian Embassy in Canada to demand the immediate release of our activists and an end to Arctic drilling for good.

Thank you for your unconditional support,



Christy Ferguson
Greenpeace Canada Arctic Campaigner

Gentle Readers on Google:

  The Russians have attacked the Greenpeace ship Arctic Sunrise and taken prisoners at gun point!
I repeat! The Russians have attacked the Greenpeace ship Arctic Sunrise and taken prisoners at gun point!
Write or telephone a Russian Embassy in  your country and demand that president Putin and his government release the ship and the Greenpeace activists immediately!

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