Action in solidarity with activists prohibited from leaving South Korea for over four months after peaceful protest during INC-5
Kuala Lumpur – Greenpeace Malaysia gathered this Earth Day outside the Embassy of the Republic of Korea in Malaysia to show unwavering solidarity with the five Greenpeace activists currently facing legal proceedings for a non-violent, peaceful demonstration in South Korea.
A symbol of solidarity as part of global actions with Greenpeace International, campaigners held up placards stating ‘Activism is Not a Crime’, while unveiling a hand-painted banner representing courage, climate justice, and hope; handing over a letter to the South Korean ambassador to Malaysia, which was received by an embassy representative. The letter urges for the protection of civic space, fundamental freedom and rights guaranteed of the activists in the democratic society of South Korea.
Defending the Right to Peaceful Protest
On 30 November 2024, five Greenpeace activists, Al, Ash, Jens, Sam, and Captain Hettie, took part in a peaceful protest at South Korea’s Refinery in Daesen as part of the ‘Sailing for Change: Plastic Free Future’ Rainbow Warrior ship tour in East Asia. The purpose of the direct action was to confront climate injustice and protect our planet and people with an urgent call for world leaders to develop a strong Global Plastics Treaty during the fifth session of the Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee (INC-5).
On 31 March 2025, it was confirmed that the case had been formally passed to the Seoul judicial court. A first hearing is scheduled for 16 May 2025, a date that cannot be postponed. The prolonged trial of Greenpeace activists has resulted in their involuntary stay in South Korea.
Greenpeace Malaysia Zero Waste Campaigner Dunxin Weng said:
“We urge the South Korean authorities to release the five activists immediately. These individuals took peaceful action to call for a strong global plastics treaty; a cause that affects the health of our planet and people everywhere. Their voices must be heard, not punished. After more than four months in limbo, they deserve the chance to return home, reunite with their families, and continue their fight for environmental justice.”
Hettie, Captain of the Rainbow Warrior ship during the ‘Sailing for Change: Plastic Free Future’ ship tour in East Asia, said:
“I don’t regret we took this action for a strong Global Plastic Treaty, but after being here for 4 months I would like to go home!”
Graham Forbes, Greenpeace Head of Delegation to the Global Plastics Treaty negotiations and Global Plastics Campaign Lead at Greenpeace USA, said:
“We hope that the courage shown by these activists, who endured freezing overnight temperatures in order to state loud and clear that this treaty fails unless it cuts plastic production will act as an inspiration to delegates. And that in these final negotiating hours they will step up, resist petrochemical industry bullying, and deliver for us all an historic Global Plastics Treaty that cuts production and ultimately ends plastic pollution.”
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These images, showing the embassy building the background, were taken from a public location, and is used solely for informational purposes. There is no intent to imply any affiliation, endorsement, or official association.
