Fed: PM rules out intervening in Greenpeace case

AAP General News (Australia)
08-24-2001
Fed: PM rules out intervening in Greenpeace case

Prime Minister JOHN HOWARD has ruled out intervening in a US court case involving two
Greenpeace activists facing up to 11 years in jail for protesting against a missile launch
test.

US authorities detained Australians NIC CLYDE and STUART LENNOX and 13 other Greenpeace
protesters at a US Air Force base in California on July 14.

The 17 pleaded not guilty to federal charges of conspiracy, trespass and violating
a safety zone after their protest delayed a missile launch to test a new defence system.

Mr HOWARD has told ABC radio that all Australians who are charged with crimes in another
country have to be dealt with by the courts.

He says it wouldn't be appropriate for him to raise the issue with President GEORGE
W BUSH when he visits the US next month.

AAP RTV lm/daw/jh/wjf

KEYWORD: US GREENPEACE AUST (CANBERRA)

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