Climate Chaos – Page 19

Shell PR event shut down in Oxford

23rd October Shell set up a fairly large structure in Broad St yesterday, an plush enclosed unit with mezzanine floor and carpet, to plug their latest PR/recruitment scheme. They were planning to be there from 10am until 6pm, but things didn't go according to their plans.

A protest had been called, and around lunchtime people started arriving and giving out leaflets. Earlier the Shell PR people had been roaming around the street chatting to people and giving out glossy bullshit, but once protesters arrived they seemed to withdraw a bit more into their self-built shell. One person heckled them enthusiastically.

Then, about 12:45pm, another group arrived, went inside, grabbed handfuls of Shell propaganda, poured black oily stuff everywhere, and wrote anti-Shell slogans on their whiteboard (in permanent marker, apparently – it looked like they weren't able to remove it!). I heard that the oily stuff even went all over their computer gizmos, presumably causing quite a bit of damage.

Unfortunately as they were leaving they got chased and grabbed by security, and despite a struggle were handed over to the cops and arrested. Meanwhile Shell had apparently had enough, as not long afterwards they packed up and went home.

The 3 arrested people were released about 11 hours later – all 3 had been given cautions for criminal damage, and 2 also had fixed penalty notices (£90 each) for obstruction. They all seemed fine with this outcome.

Here's an article from some of the people that organised the leafletting session, explaining why they were there:
http://tarfreetowns.org/news/oxford-is-saying-no-to-shells-whitewashing/
…it has some decent stuff in it but doesn't mention the longstanding struggle in Rossport, Ireland against Shell's occupation there, which for me personally was near the top of my mind when I went along to the protest:
http://shelltosea.com/

Shell have been targeted plenty of times before when trying to run graduate recruitment events in Oxford: http://oxford.indymedia.org.uk/2009/10/440301.html http://oxford.indymedia.org.uk/2010/03/447286.html
(as have other oil companies), but this was the first time I know of that they'd had the gall to do an event on the street (usually they are in some kind of plush hotel).

Solidarity Protests and Blockades Ignite Across Turtle Island in Solidarity with Mi’kmaq

18th October

photo of yesterday's solidarity blockade at Esgenoopetitj 18th October

The RCMP retreat from the Mi’qmak blockade has not stemmed the outrage against the Canadian government’s ruthless attack yesterday on the peaceful Mi’qmak blockade. As Southwestern Energy attempts to extend the injunction against the Mi’qmak, solidarity protests are spreading throughout Turtle Island.

Numerous infrastructure points throughout Canada were snarled by indigenous blockades in the immediate aftermath of the state invasion of the Mi’qmak. At least 30 solidarity protests are also being undertaken according to Idle No More.

According to Santa Cruz Indigenous Solidarity, by 3pm yesterday six peaceful highway and bridge blockades had been errected at Roads in Burnt Church (NB), Tobique (NB), Esgenoopetitj (NB), Hamilton (ON) and Six Nations (ON).

The Listuguj Mi’Gmaq built a tipi on the VanHorne bridge, blocking traffic on the Quebec-New Brunswick border.

In Winnipeg, protestors tied up traffic at the intersection of Portage and Main, burning a Canadian flag to protest against the Crown’s historic betrayal of First Nations treaty rights. Police appeared to be clearing the way for the march, halting traffic at numerous points.

In Montreal, members of the Mohawk nation gathered to show solidarity. During the RCMP crackdown on the Mi’kmaq Blockade, many observers compared the state’s repressive response to the 1990 Oka Crisis, which saw the Mohawk resist development on their lands for months.

New York, Washington, DC, and numerous other cities across the US have also seen solidarity demonstrations.

There is a call for solidarity for today and tomorrow, which happens to be an international day of action against fracking (the #globalfrackdown http://www.globalfrackdown.org/). The day of solidarity will use the hash tag #INDIGENIZE, with organizers sending report backs and media updates to ReclaimTurtleIsland [at] gmail [dot] com.

Mi’kmaq Blockade Update: RCMP Has Withdrawn, Resistance Continues

18th October by Trashfire / Earth First! News

After a day of clashes yesterday, the police withdrew around 7pm to cheers from the crowd.

40 people are reported arrested and 5 police vehicles were burned.

No One Is Illegal reports these lists of solidarity actions – Google Docs

Powershift Canada

Yesterday saw many emergency solidarity actions including a major throughway being shutdown in Winnipeg.

Today is a day of action called for by the Mi’kmaq earlier this week.

Tomorrow is another day of action against fracking organized under the banner Global Frackdown.

There has also been a request that supporters call the premier of New Brunswick to express concerns over the RCMP’s actions against the Mi’kmaq – .New Brunswick Premier – David Alward
Email: premier@gnb.ca
Phone: (506) 453-2144
Fax : (506) 453-7407

Charges for those arrested included firearms offences, uttering threats, intimidation, mischief and for refusing to abide by a court injunction.

The protesters arrested were taken to three different communities where they are expected in court Friday morning around 9:30 to face charges. Police spread the arrested protesters out in an effort to prevent the courthouses being overwhelmed by protest supporters during the arraignments.

Chief Aaron Sock was among those arrested in the clash. He and a few of his band council members were released a few hours after their arrests.

Sock is the leader of the band that has been blockading Route 134 near Rexton since Sept. 30.

On Oct. 1, Sock issued an eviction notice to SWN Resources of Canada. His band and his band council planned to pass a resolution preventing the government and shale gas companies from continuing their work by reclaiming all unoccupied reserve land and giving it back to First Nations.

The road between Rexton and Highway 11 has been the scene of the protest, involving a coalition of natives and non-natives opposed to shale gas exploration.

Protesters moved into the area on Sept. 30, initially establishing a barricade to the staging area used by SWN Resources Canada to park its exploration vehicles and equipment.

The protest progressed to the point where barricades were also established on the road, preventing traffic from going through.

SWN Resources went to the Court of Queen’s Bench and successfully sought an injunction to end the protest.

During a hearing, court was told SWN Resources is losing $60,000 every day its seismic exploration trucks remain blockaded in the compound off Route 134.

Let's watch that shit again #elsipogtog #mikmaqblockade ... on Twitpic

Video by the Stimulator (click for video) and @stimulator on for up to the minute updates

Romanian Villagers 3-day Occupation Forces Chevron to Stop Fracking

18th October

US energy giant Chevron said Thursday it has suspended shale gas test drilling in northeastern Romania after three days of protests by villagers opposed to fracking.

“Chevron can today confirm it has suspended activities in Silistea, Pungesti commune, Vaslui county,” a press release read.

The move comes a day after Romanian police clashed with villagers who have occupied since Monday a field to prevent Chevron from drilling its first exploration well.

The protesters are afraid of the environmental and health impact of the highly controversial drilling method used to unlock shale gas, called hydraulic fracturing or ‘fracking’.

The technique consists of pumping water and chemicals at high pressure into deep rock formations to free oil and gas, with environmentalists warning the process may contaminate ground water and even cause small earthquakes.

Chevron has permits to explore for shale gas in three villages in this impoverished part of northeastern Romania as well as on Romania’s Black Sea coast.

“Our priority is to conduct … activities in a safe and environmentally responsible manner consistent with the permits under which we operate,” the group said Wednesday.

No Dash for Gas Protestors Have Sentences Quashed

18th October from No Dash for Gas

Six activists out of 21 who shut down EDF’s West Burton Gas power station last year walked free from Nottingham Crown Court today, taking the total number of those given conditional discharges to eleven. Lawrence Carter, Hannah Davey, Alistair Cannell, Aneaka Kellay, Ewa Jasiewicz, and David Shakespeare had their sentences for Aggravated Trespass overturned on appeal.

All six had been sentenced to 150 hours community service. None had any previous convictions.

Five protesters received conditional discharges in June when the 21 initially appeared at Nottingham Magistrates Court.

The convictions had been for taking part in the UK’s longest ever power station protest which lasted eight days from October 29th – November 5th of last year.

The protesters, all from the group No Dash for Gas, had camped up two 80 meter Chimney flues for a week in protest at government plans to build up to 40 new gas power stations and make the UK reliant on gas for the next 30 years.

The group argues that the ‘dash for gas’ which also includes drilling for shale gas will exacerbate climate change, crash the UK’s legal obligations to cut carbon emissions and keep millions stuck in crippling fuel poverty.

EDF sued the group for £5million damages but were forced to drop their claim after widespread protest, loss of customers and a successful social media campaign which saw 64,000 people sign a petition in support of the group in less than four weeks.

The remaining ten protesters from the group chose not to pursue an appeal on legal advice.

Ewa Jasiewicz said ‘This is yet another victory for civil disobedience in defence of our climate and against fuel poverty. As energy companies ramp up their prices and millions turn to foodbanks and suffer cold homes and winter deaths, we believe another energy system is possible – one that values people and planet over profit. One that is democratically controlled and based on sustainable, clean energy. Both are not just possible, they are vital if we want to avoid catastrophic climate change and ensure not just real energy security, but social and economic security for all’.

David Shakespeare said ‘Direct action is a vital part of creating social change – this is why, after petitions, letters and all other means failed, we took a stand and shut down the first of up to 40 new gas power stations last year. Whether it’s protecting the Arctic, camping against Fracking or occupying power stations, all these acts of principled protest are part of a movement that is acting to safeguard the future of generations to come. We need to keep the pressure up until governments act in the public interest’.

UPDATE: Full Invasion Force Arrives at Mi’kmaq Blockade

17th October 700 RCMP are currently reported at the scene of the Mi’kmaq blockade with an armored pe

17th October 700 RCMP are currently reported at the scene of the Mi’kmaq blockade with an armored personnel carrier. Talks have failed. Snipers with the RCMP have been seen pointing their scopes at groups of young supporters, drawing intense criticism from observers. In a statement, one RCMP officer declared, “the Crown land belongs to the government, not fucking Natives,” revealing the systemic contempt for treaty rights with First Nations and international agreements. RCMP are now lined up with riot shields, as the standoff continues to maintain the blockade that is currently keeping “thumper trucks” from destroying the land in Mik’maq territory. Chief Aaron Sock of the Elslipogtog has been released by the RCMP after being arrested while blockading the compound of Texas-based SWN Resources. However, over 40 Mi’kmaq warriors remain in custody, as the RCMP continue to use pepper spray, tear gas, and rubber bullets in attempts to break up the blockade. Canada is clearly in violation of international treaties with this war-like act against a peaceful nation engaged in lawful direct action against the theft and destruction of their land by a multinational energy company. According to Submedia, “During my short stay [at the two-week-strong blockade] I’ve witnessed the co-operation between natives and settlers, a partnership that has kept this blockade fully stocked and operational. Food, wood, hot coffee, tents and other supplies keep streaming all the while SWN berates the police in the media for not arresting the protesters.” In retaliation against the invasion, which comes one day before an international day of solidarity with the Mi’kmaq Blockade and two days away from a meeting set to continue peace talks, unknown persons have set six RCMP vehicles ablaze, hurled stones at the police line, and confiscated fracking equipment. In related news, SWN stock hit a sharp decline today on the New York Stock Exchange. As of this time, the RCMP is not letting media in. However, reinforcements continue to swell the numbers of supporters at the blockade. The Mi’kmaq have issued a call for continued international solidarity, and for increased support for the blockade.

Mi’kmaq Resist! 6 RCMP Cars Torched, Fracking Equipment Confiscated

Photo by Ossie Michel

Photo by Ossie Michelin

17th October

In retaliation against a violent police raid this morning on a peaceful First Nations blockade, Mi’kmaq warriors and supporters have fought back.

The RCMP appear to have arrested journalist Miles Howe, who has been reporting on the Elsipogtog struggle against the illegal gas grab on indigenous lands. More than 200 RCMP are participating in the raid, including snipers in fatigues. Ambulances have been prevented from treating protestors wounded by pepper spray, plastic bullets, and general brutality.

As of the time of writing this, six RCMP vehicles have been torched, and melees of stones have been hurled in response to tear gas, plastic bullets, and pepper spray from the RCMP (update: it is being claimed that the fires were started by an agent provocateur). Mi’kmaq allies have also confiscated fracking equipment in continued efforts to maintain the blockade against the gas company.

Blockades are reportedly springing up elsewhere throughout Mi’kmaq territory, as news has spread of police brutality and unnecessary use of force against peaceful protestors, including elders and children. Idle No More’s twitter account has called on all the Sacred Fires of the World, and solidarity demos in DC, NYC, Vancouver, BC, and Winnipeg have already been announced.

The Mi’kmaq Blockade has cost the gas company an estimated $50,000 per day, and has been ongoing for two weeks. Today’s crack down is a direct betrayal of a peace process ongoing between the Elsipogtog and the New Brunswick premier, and a violation of the rights of Indigenous Peoples as according to the UN. The government of Canada has instigated a major diplomatic incident, and global solidarity is coming in from countries around the world.

The whole world is watching!

Tense Standoff at Elsipogtog Blockade, Molotovs Thrown

17th October from Earth First! Newswire

A tense stand off is ongoing between 200 RCMP, Mi’kmaq blockaders, and about 200 supporters. According to the Stimulato r, the chief and tribal council personally blockaded gas company trucks behind barricades. Protesters have hurled rocks and a corporate news tripod at the RCMP. At the moment, RCMP are making mass arrests, SWN vehicles appear to be rolling out of the compound, and six RCMP vehicles have been set ablaze.

Molotov cocktails were thrown from the woods earlier this morning in defense of the land and peoples. The RCMP, some with long rifles, entered the woods. Shots were fired, and screaming was heard. There is an unconfirmed report that activist Steven Gould has been shot. (UPDATE: We are now receiving reports that less-than-lethal rounds have been fired at supporters, as well as tear gas. Pepper spray has been deployed against supporters attempting to get through police lines. The RCMP is currently unloading riot gear.)

Supporters broke through police lines to join the Mi’kmaq (video her e). The RCMP have erected a barrier on one side of the blockade, and appear to have the blockade surrounded. More people are coming to support with food and water.

Solidarity blockades have sprung up elsewhere in the Mi’kmaq territory. There are solidarity actions planned at the Canadian Consulate in NYC at 5pm and the Canadian Embassy in DC, as well as Vancouver and Winnipeg.

As of time of writing, arrests have been made, and there is at least one report of police brutality against Mi’kmaq warrior Suzanne Patles, an Ilnu woman and member of the Mi’kmaq Warrior Society. (UPDATE: It appears that mass arrests are currently being made.)

According to the New Brunswick, Anglophone North School District, the RCMP did not notify them of the raid as is legally required. Schools are currently on lock-down.

The Mi’kmaq are blockading Highway 132 near Rexton to halt the activity on the compound belonging to a gas company, SWN Resources Canada. SWN Resources has been illegally trying to frack the land of the Elsipogtog for months, and the tribe has been joined by other tribes of the Mi’kmaq and Wabanaki Confederacy peoples in attempts to take direct action against the gas company.

According to Ellen Gabriel of the Kanien’kehá:ka Nation, “Forcible removal of Mi’kmaq on their traditional lands, [is] an illegal act by Police who should not enforce.”

Last week, a Canadian judge issued an injunction against the blockade, but the Elsipogtog have sought peaceful negotiation. Today’s raid must be seen as a preemptive action to prevent the October 18 day of action from taking place, which was called by the Mi’kmaq Warriors Society for physical support of the SWN blockade.

The demands of the Warriors Society are the following:

Produce all Bills of Sales, Sold, Ceded, Granted and Extinguished Lands for New Brunswick.
Produce documents proving Cabot’s Doctrine of Discovery.
Produce the Treaty of Peace and Friendship 1686.
Produce Treaty of Fort Howe 1768.
Produce consents for Loyalists to land in Nova Scotia/New Brunswick.
Produce records of Townships created and consents by Chiefs to allow this.
Produce agreements or consents by all New Brunswick Chiefs who agreed to Confereration of 1867.
Produce evidence of consents to The Indian Act by all Native Tribes.
Produce records of Trust Funds.
Produce agreements for 4% of all mineral shares of finished products in Canada, except coal.
Produce all correspondence letters pertaining to Numbered Treaties (Promises).
Produce all documents creating border divisions, that divide the Wabanaki confederacy.
Produce the Orders from the Lords of Trade to the Governor of the Colonies.

Indigenous Pipeline Protesters Harass Oil Tanker

B.C.

B.C. First Nation, the Tsleil-Waututh, were joined by environmentalists Oct 14, as they crossed Burrard Inlet in canoes to protest Kinder Morgan’s proposed pipeline expansion.

15th October The Tsleil-Waututh First Nation and environmentalists have crossed Burrard Inlet in traditional canoes to protest U.S. oil giant Kinder Morgan’s $5B plans to expand its Trans Mountain pipeline.

Protesters dodged tankers as they sailed close to the Westridge Marine Terminal, in a bid to stop Kinder Morgan nearly tripling the capacity of the pipeline, which carries crude oil from the Alberta oilsands to tankers in Vancouver.

When completed, the proposed expansion is expected to increase capacity in Trans Mountain from the existing capacity of 300,000 barrels per day to 850,000 barrels per day.

The protest comes as cabinet ministers and senior bureaucrats head to British Columbia as part of a major government push to mollify opponents of building oil pipelines to the West Coast.

The new Harper initiative follows a report from the prime minister’s special pipelines representative in British Columbia, David Eyford, who told Harper last month that negotiations with First Nations are a mess.

Sources say Eyford urged the federal government take the lead role in dealing with Indian bands on both the proposed expansion of Kinder Morgan’s Trans Mountain pipeline and Enbridge’s Northern Gateway project.

The Trans Mountain line stretches 1,150 kilometres between Edmonton and terminals in the Vancouver area and Washington State. It carries heavy and light crude oil, as well as refined products such as gasoline and diesel.

It has been involved in several recent spills including more 100,000 litres of light crude oil that was spilled at Kinder Morgan’s Sumas terminal in January.

Meanwhile, an Enbridge official says the company expects a decision from the federal government on its proposed Northern Gateway pipeline by mid-2014, meaning the pipeline could be moving oil by 2018.

The Northern Gateway pipeline proposed by Enbridge would deliver 525,000 barrels of petroleum a day to a tanker terminal in Kitimat, on the north coast of B.C.

Two La Parota Resisters Attacked With Machetes

14th October The Land is Not for Sale! A community in resistance to La Parota dam.

14th October The Land is Not for Sale! A community in resistance to La Parota dam.

UPDATE (10/15/2013): Although the attack happened on Oct 11, the federal Public Ministry (responsible for investigating and prosecuting crimes) has yet to visit the men in the hospital to take any statement from them.

Two members of the Council of Ejidos and Communities in Opposition to La Parota Dam (CECOP) were attacked at their home with machetes on Friday, Oct 11, by supporters of the dam project. Both of the men, Rodrigo León Jacinto and Isidro Saligán Guadalupe, are still under medical supervision. Saligán may lose an eye. Both men and all five of their attackers (four men and a woman) come from the village of Huamuchitos.

The attackers are believed to have fled the area.