Automatic Weapons Used Against Genetic Engineering Protest

["Greenbase" <greenbas@gb.greenpeace.org>]

GREENPEACE TO MAKE OFFICIAL COMPLAINT AS  AUTOMATIC WEAPONS USED
AGAINST GENETIC ENGINEERING PROTEST

Amsterdam, 20 February 1997 -- Greenpeace International is to
make an official complaint to the Portuguese Government after
bullets were fired in Lisbon Harbour last night as Greenpeace
activists peacefully protested against the importation of
genetically engineered corn from the USA.  

"Greenpeace condemns the use of force against a peaceful protest
like this," said campaigner Riki Aguilar, speaking from the
scene. We are simply trying to highlight to the Portuguese
people the undemocratic way that this experimental food has been
forced on unwilling European consumers." 

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. 

Earlier in the day the activists had prevented the same ship -
the Cypriot-owned Pacificator - from docking. 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, some of which were also carrying
independent journalists,  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.

Greenpeace is calling on the Portuguese government to ban the
import of  the transgenic corn in order to protect Europeans'
environment and health. In spite of serious concerns regarding
possible health and environmental implications, the corn was
approved by the European Commission earlier this month.

Austria and Luxembourg have already banned it, in defiance of
the Commissioners' decision.  France, which originally proposed
the transgenic corn for import and cultivation to its EU
partners, last week changed its mind and prevented its farmers
from planting the seeds. Other countries are expected to
pressure the Commissioners to reverse their decision.
     ends

Footage and stills of the action are available.
For further information contact: James Gillies, Press Officer,
Greenpeace International, tel 00 31 20 524 9548; Riki Aguilar,
Campaigner, Greenpeace International, tel mobile 00 31 6 5319
5259