13/02/06
Solid Energy Deliberately Misleading or Dishonest About Reparation Claims
In a press release dated Friday 10th (Media Release 10/02/06 "Happy Valley Activists make false claim"), Solid Energy
stated that they had not applied for reparations of US$150 000 from the two Happy Valley activists, Daniel Rae and
Frances Mountier, facing charges in the Christchurch District Court in relation to a blockade of coal trains in August
2005.
However, further disclosure received by their lawyer clearly states that Solid Energy are seeking costs of US$150 000
(see attachments: letter from Police, letter from Solid Energy and Reparations schedule). The documents prove beyond
doubt that Solid Energy have applied for the reparations.
"This is a ridiculous amount of money, and we believe it is intended to intimidate us. At the same time it seems that
Solid Energy are dishonestly publicly stating they are not seeking the costs when they clearly are," said Daniel Rae.
"Perhaps Solid Energy are afraid of the bad public relations that would be generated by a multi-million dollar State
Owned Enterprise seeking huge sums of money from people who criticize and take action against their environmentally
destructive mining practices, " said Frances Mountier.
Daniel Rae and Frances Mountier chained themselves to the railways track to blockade the coal trians, while a third
activist, Raoni Hammer was suspended from a tree sit high above the tracks with ropes attached to the line below.
At least three trains were stopped from reaching Lyttelton Port and one was canceled.
Daniel and Frances appeared in court last Friday. The judge reserved his decision until 9.15am, Wednesday 22nd of
February. The matter of reparations will also be brought before the court on that day. Raoni Hammer had his charge
dismissed in the District Court today.
ENDS