World News Australia, SBS Radio, December 13, 2013

The Russian Parliament is set to vote on bill which would see people convicted of non-violent crimes, such as hooliganism, eligible for release from prison.

However, Greenpeace lawyers say activists from the group known as the ‘Arctic 30’ are unlikely to be among those granted amnesty.

The 28 Greenpeace activists and two journalists face charges for hooliganism after being arrested for protesting against oil drilling in the Arctic Circle in September.

Tasmanian Colin Russell and Australian permanent resident Alexandra Harris are among those that could face up to seven years imprisonment if found guilty.

Brianna Piazza spoke with Australia-Pacific’s Greenpeace campaigner Reece Turner.

Categories: human rights, worldTags: activists, amnesty, Arctic, Arctic 30, Australia, Colin Russell, Greenpeace, hooliganism, oil drilling, prison, Russia, SBS Radio, vote