Greenpeace Activists Under Legal Scrutiny Following South Korean Tanker Protest

Image Credits: Greenpeace International/X

On May 16, 2025, five Greenpeace activists, including the captain of the Rainbow Warrior, found themselves in a South korean courtroom facing charges stemming from a protest that took place in November 2024.The group made headlines when thay boarded a Japanese-owned LPG tanker off South Korea’s coast to advocate for tougher international regulations on plastic waste. this presentation coincided with the fifth round of UN discussions aimed at establishing a Global plastics Treaty (INC-5), held in Busan.

During this event on November 30, Greenpeace strategically aligned its campaign with the negotiations. As part of their “Sailing for Change” initiative across East Asia, they utilized their ship to amplify their message. Four activists—Sam Rodrigues from Mexico, Alex Wilson from the UK, Ash from Taiwan, and Jens from Germany—left the Rainbow Warrior that morning and approached the Panama-flagged Buena Alba tanker anchored near Hyundai Daesan Refinery.

Once aboard, they climbed up and unfurled banners demanding urgent action against plastic pollution while painting “Plastics Kill” on the vessel’s side. Shortly after this bold move,all five were detained by local authorities for nearly two days before being released but ordered to remain in South Korea until legal proceedings concluded.

Their first court appearance was marked by charges of unlawful entry onto a vessel and obstructing business operations. The court has as restricted their travel as proceedings unfold.

Greenpeace maintains that their actions were peaceful and posed no threat to anyone involved. They argue that such protests are crucial for pressuring governments into adopting measures aimed at curbing plastic production—the primary driver behind pollution issues worldwide.

Outside the courthouse following their initial hearing, Greenpeace East Asia Seoul organized a press conference supporting these activists while reiterating calls for an effective Global plastics Treaty. A striking mural featuring images of those involved was unveiled with messages like “Bring Our Activists Home,” which has gained traction globally through solidarity demonstrations outside South Korean embassies led by various Greenpeace offices across 21 nations last month.

Alex Wilson emphasized during an official statement that plastic pollution is detrimental throughout its lifecycle—especially during production—and highlighted how petrochemical companies are actively working against meaningful treaty agreements.

Captain Hettie Geenen expressed gratitude for international support received through solidarity actions; she noted it served as encouragement amid ongoing legal challenges faced by her team members.

Nara kim from Greenpeace East Asia pointed out important backing during INC-5 discussions where over 100 countries showed enthusiasm towards implementing production cuts despite pushback from oil-rich nations.She urged continued efforts toward achieving binding agreements protecting both people and ecosystems ahead of INC-5.2 scheduled for August 2025 in Switzerland.

In recent history reflecting similar activism trends within Europe’s environmental landscape: In September 2024 alone,Danish courts penalized Greenpeace after attempts to block tankers associated with Russian oil trade within national waters; later settling with Shell over another incident involving North Sea platforms resulted in financial penalties alongside commitments not to engage Shell facilities again for several years—a testament to ongoing tensions between environmental advocacy and corporate interests worldwide.

Reference: Greenpeace