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

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