On 5th July 1991 at 8.30am Sarawak time, nine environmental activists
representing organizations including Robin Wood (Germany), Society for
Threatened peoples (Switzerland), and Earth First! (USA) occupied and
stopped loading of three barges for tropical timber. Simultaneous
actions take place in Breman (Germany), Perth and Melbourne
(Australia), New Zealand, and USA.
In Sarawak, two international activists were suspended 20 metres up
the cranes, and six chained themselves to the cranes. Loading was
halted for five hours. Later in the day, these activists and two
others (not involved in direct action but in charge of communications)
were arrested.
Broadcast quality video footage is available from WTN Singapore.
INDIGENOUS PEOPLE'S ACTIONS IN SARAWAK:
>From June 20th, the Penan have put up blockades at two sites, Long
Napir and Long Ajeng. The Long Napir blockade was taken down by police
within four days and 23 men were arrested. The other blockade, with
some 300 men, women and children, is still holding. Many other
blockades could not be installed because the natives are too weak and
desperate.
SOLIDARITY ACTIONS AROUND THE WORLD:
Since June 20th, there have been solidarity actions in Munich,
Amsterdam, London, Nantes, Canada, and USA. In Breman harbour
(Germany) some twenty representatives from Robin Wood occupied a crane
of Rochling, which turns over 50% of German tropical timber imports.
Later the group travelled to Hamburg to extend their appeal in front
of the Malaysian consulate.
In London, over thirty protesters gathered opposite the Japanese
embassy to demonstrate against Japan's role in destroying Sarawak.
Following a tip-off from the media, the embassy was already heavily
attended by police. Five demonstrators were arrested and held by
police for twenty-two hours.
FURTHER INFORMATION ON SARAWAK ACTION:
Contact: SIMBA, Fax: +44 71 3285957.
FURTHER INFORMATION ON LONDON SOLIDARITY ACTION (including photos):
London Rainforest Action Group / Earth First, Phone: 081-806-1561.
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