Friday 13 November 2009

Greenpeace activists face deportation




Rizal Harahap , The Jakarta Post , Pekanbaru, Riau | Fri, 11/13/2009


The Pelalawan Police in Riau will transfer 11 foreigners, who were arrested following a rally against PT Riau Andalan Pulp and Paper (RAPP) on Thursday, to the immigration office for deportation.

Local police chief Adj. Sr. Comr. Ari Rahman said the foreigners from Brazil, Finland, Germany, Spain, the Philippines and Thailand could be charged for violating their visas.

“They entered Indonesia using temporary visas, therefore they cannot take part in a rally or other activity that may cause unrest,” Ari said.

He added that soon after they were questioned they would be sent to the immigration office for further inquiry.

Dozens of Greenpeace activists protested Southeast Asia’s biggest pulp producer for damaging forest. The police arrested the activists when they received a report from RAPP. Ari also said they arrested the activists to protect them from possible attacks from company employees.

Greenpeace Southeast Asia campaigner Zulfahmi dismissed the police’s accusation that the protest against RAPP was illegal.

He said the National Police had issued a permit for Greenpeace and the foreign activists to hold a pro-environment campaign.

“Our foreign counterparts hold temporary visas,” Zulfahmi said. “Any activity they undertake during their stay can be scrutinized by the police.”



http://www.thejakartapost.com/news/2009/11/13/greenpeace-activists-face-deportation.html