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Greenpeace Says Russia Holding Two Activists In Arctic


Greenpeace Activists Arrested During Protest At Russian Arctic Oil Platform
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Russia's Coast Guard has detained two Greenpeace activists in the Arctic after they climbed onto an oil platform belonging to energy giant Gazprom, according to the international environmental group.

In a statement, Greenpeace said the incident happened in the Pechora Sea, a section of the Barents Sea, on September 18.

The activists are reportedly being held on a Russian Coast Guard ship.

Greenpeace says the coast guard fired 11 warning shots "across" the Greenpeace ship that brought activists to the area, where the group is waging an action as part of its #savethearctic campaign.

Greenpeace is protesting Gazprom's plan to start production at the Prirazlomnaya platform in 2014, saying the "rusty oil platform is an Arctic disaster waiting to happen."

Greenpeace fears any oil spill could destroy three nature reserves that are home to polar bears, walruses, and rare seabirds.

Russia's Federal Security Service, which includes the coast guard, had no comment.

Based on reporting by AP, AFP, and Reuters
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