After arresting dozens of Greenpeace activists, the Pelalawan police closed down on Saturday the group’s climate defender camp in Teluk Meranti village in Riau, citing security reasons.
Following a negotiation, about 30 Greenpeace activists participating in the activity were given until Sunday to pack their bags and leave the village.
Pelalawan police chief Adj. Sr. Comr. Ari Rahman said he had no other option but to order the closure as the Greenpeace’s presence had sparked a conflict between residents.
“A group of people wrote to us, talking about their plan to close down the camp. We do not expel Greenpeace but prevent them from security threat,” Ari said.
The police arrested on Wednesday Greenpeace activists following a rally against Southeast Asia’s largest pulp producer PT Riau Andalan Pulp and Paper. The security authorities also took 11 foreign activists to the immigration office for alleged visa violations,
Greenpeace spokesman Zulfahmi regretted the police’s move but followed their order to avoid forcible expulsion.
| 
|
|
|
|
|
|
|