Shell Attempt to Gag the Press

[The.Greenbase@gb.greenpeace.org]

SHELL ATTEMPT TO GAG THE PRESS AND GREENPEACE - SCOTTISH COURT

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                   GREENPEACE PRESS RELEASE
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SHELL ATTEMPT TO GAG THE PRESS AND GREENPEACE - SCOTTISH COURT
UPHOLDS PRESS FREEDOM

May 13, 1995 (GP) In a legal attempt to end Greenpeace's 14
day old occupation of their North Sea oil installation, the
Brent Spar, Shell asked the Scottish Courts to issue an order
gagging the press.

Shell requested "an order in terms of the Contempt of Court
Act 1981, Section 4(2) postponing the publication of any
report relating to these proceedings for such period as the
Court shall consider appropriate."   Lord Kirkwood, the
Scottish Judge, did not grant their request.

Shell did manage to obtain an interim interdict attempting to
prevent the Greenpeace vessel Moby Dick from  resupplying the
Brent Spar occupiers with food and other essentials.

"Shell's tactics are secrecy and starvation.  They are clearly
trying to force the people off the Brent Spar," said Chris
Rose, Greenpeace spokesperson.

"Shell are so ashamed of what they are doing that they sought
to do it behind a veil of secrecy.   Lord Kirkwood, in denying
Shell's request, has recognised that the dumping of toxic oil
platforms at sea is a matter of great public interest.  He has
decided that if Shell are to do any dirty business it must be
done in public," said Rose.

The international group of activists on board Brent Spar are
awaiting legal advice, together with copies of the court
orders written in their respective languages.

Greenpeace is determined to draw attention to the dumping of
toxic-laden platforms at sea.



For further information:  Sue Cooper 0171 359 9980 or Chris
Rose - 01595 694 099.   For legal comment contact one of the
above numbers.