Australian government not standing up for Colin Russell, imprisoned in Russia
Greens’ Senator Christine Milne says Australian Government must ‘stand up’ for rights of activists detained in Russia THE MERCURY AAP OCTOBER 03, 2013 THE Australian Government must stop looking the other way and stand up for the rights of environmental activists, Greens leader Christine Milne says.
Greenpeace protesters, including Tasmanian man Colin Russell, have been detained in Russia after authorities took against the crew of the Greenpeace vessel Arctic Sunrise.
Mr Russell, the ship’s radio room operator, is being held in the port city of Murmansk after his arrest at gunpoint on September 19 during a protest against oil drilling in the Arctic Circle.
“The Australian Government must stand up not only for Australian citizens but for all the activists and the right to non-violent protest,” Senator Milne told reporters in Hobart today.
The Arctic Sunrise was in international waters when it was boarded by Russian authorities, Senator Milne said. “On that basis I think the Australian Government needs to stop looking the other way and stand up for Australian citizens,” she said…….
Ms Bishop said Australians travelling overseas had to take responsibility for their own actions, adding she wouldn’t be running a regular commentary on high-profile consular cases. “Rarely is that in the interests of the person requiring assistance,” she said.
Senator Milne acknowledged the consular support received by Mr Russell but said the Australian Government should do more.
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