Russia drops first Greenpeace cases.

[dipsydoodle]

Source: BBC News

Russian authorities have dropped criminal charges against the first of 30 people accused of taking part in a Greenpeace protest in the Arctic.

The 28 activists and two freelance journalists were arrested in September as they staged a protest at a Russian offshore oil rig.

They were all charged with hooliganism and have been bailed.

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Greenpeace said three activists had been told their cases were closed and others are expected to receive notice soon, AFP news agency reports.

Read more: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-25504016

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First Arctic 30 Activists Cleared of Charges – Greenpeace

MOSCOW, December 24 (RIA Novosti) – The Russian authorities dropped charges for the first time against Greenpeace activists detained over a protest at a Russian Arctic oil rig in September, following an amnesty adopted last week, the environmental group said on Tuesday.

“The first of the Arctic 30 has had the investigation against him officially dropped. Home is one step closer,” Greenpeace said on its Twitter page.

No official comment from the Russian authorities is available so far.

The amnesty, planned to mark the 20th anniversary of the introduction of Russia’s constitution, applies to people serving sentences of up to five years for non-violent crimes, and who have not previously served time in jail.

The bill had initially stated that amnesty could only be granted after a sentence had been passed, which would have excluded the Greenpeace detainees, but its final version, passed by parliament last week, was extended to individuals on trial.

http://en.ria.ru/russia/20131224/185896623/First-Arctic-30-Activists-Cleared-of-Charges--Greenpeace.html

[Eugene]

1. Russia drops charges against Greenpeace activists

Source: Reuters

Russia drops charges against Greenpeace activists

MOSCOW Wed Dec 25, 2013 10:54am EST

(Reuters) - Russia formally dropped criminal charges against Greenpeace activists arrested in a protest over Arctic oil drilling on Wednesday, under a Kremlin amnesty extended to all 30 who had been facing up to seven years jail if convicted.

The environmental group said 29 of the 30, who are still in Russia after being freed on bail, have now been amnestied and will be free to leave for their home countries as soon as they secure exit visas. One more activist's case will be reviewed on Thursday, it said.

Russia's treatment of the activists - who spent two months in detention and had faced hooliganism charges punishable by seven years in jail - had drawn heavy criticism from Western nations and celebrities.

Their amnesty will remove an irritant in relations in what Kremlin critics say is a move timed to improve Russia's image ahead of the Sochi Olympics.

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Read more: http://www.reuters.com/article/2013/12/25/us-russia-greenpeace-idUSBRE9BO05820131225

[dipsydoodle]

2. With no charges

the amnesty becomes unnecessary. Much better result for them.