GREENPEACE CALLS ON PORTUGUESE GOVERNMENT TO BAN GE CORN AS SHIPMENT IS HELD IN LISBON HARBOUR |
Greenpeace prevent a shipload of genetically engineered corn from docking at Lisbon harbour, its first direct action against genetically manipulated foodstuffs in Portugal since the organisation launched its international campaign against GE products. Around 30 activists from Europe (Portugal, Spain, France, Switzerland, Germany, Netherland, Sweden and Belgium) and North America are used four inflatable boats to stop the ship, the Pacificator from Louisiana, from berthing at Lisbon docks. The action began around 12.30 pm local time.
Eight activists -- from Sweden, Germany, France, the Netherlands, Portugal and the USA -- in four inflatables were challenged by police and marines around midnight as they approached a bulk cargo ship which was at anchor in Lisbon harbour waiting to unload its shipment of genetically engineered 14,500 tons of corn. Over the next two hours some single shots were fired as the inflatables were chased by police launches. The protest was called off after the authorities opened fire with automatic weapons. Fortunately no one was hit. One of the Greenpeace boats, was rammed at high speed in the darkness. Greenpeace International will be making a formal complaint about excessive use of force to the Portuguese authorities.
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