Commenting on the charges facing the 30 Arctic Sunrise activists in Russia, Jagoda Munic, Chair of Friends of the Earth International, said:

"It is scandalous that Greenpeace activists are facing these criminal charges in Russia following a peaceful protest to highlight the very real dangers of drilling in the Arctic - we fully support the call for their immediate release.

“The real crime is the continued exploitation of the Arctic – in the face of catastrophic climate change we should be leaving dirty fossil fuels in the ground.

“These activists were standing up for the millions of people who are already facing droughts, floods and a loss of their livelihoods because of climate change impacts - it's the dirty energy companies risking the lives of millions who should be answering for their activities.”

ENDS

1. Greenpeace are holding an event in London this Saturday, 5 October 2013.