Greenpeace activists who dangled off Ironworkers Memorial Bridge won't face charges
After a group of Greenpeace activists created an “aerial blockade” that prevented a tanker from leaving Kinder Morgan’s Westridge Marine Terminal this past summer, it was announced this week that those involved in the incident will not be facing charges.
On the morning of July 3, 12 people climbed the Ironworkers Memorial Bridge and seven then descended from the bridge deck, creating the blockade.
Climbers erected mid-air camps and were supported by five other people who remained on the bridge deck. The action lasted 38-hours before police removed the first climber and the others descended into police boats.
“We took this action because we know that in an era of climate crisis and supposed reconciliation with Indigenous peoples, we cannot afford to build a pipeline that lacks Indigenous consent and flies in the face of our international climate commitments especially given yesterday’s dire IPCC report,” said Mike Hudema, climate and energy campaigner with Greenpeace Canada.
“We’re glad to hear the news that the charges against myself and the 11 other activists that participated in the Trans Mountain tanker blockade have been dropped,” said Farid Iskander, a student based in Vancouver.
Greenpeace Canada said to date, over 220 people have been arrested opposing the Trans Mountain pipeline project, 15 people have served jail time, and at least a dozen more are facing up to two weeks in jail.
On October 2, three more people were sentenced to jail time, as well.
“While we are relieved that our [Ironworkers] charges have been dropped, we call on all levels of government to drop the charges against all those who have stood up against this unlawful project,” said Hudema. “None of us are free until we’re all free and this pipeline is off the table for good.”
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