06/07/2007

Breaking Through

Greenpeace Boats Penetrate G-8 Security Zone

In an embarrassing moment for German security authorities, Greenpeace protesters drive rubber boats into the restricted area in front of the Heiligendamm resort where the G-8 summit is being held.

In a fresh setback for German authorities protecting the G-8 summit, Greenpeace staged a spectacular stunt on Thursday morning by breaking into the coastal security zone just offshore from the luxury hotel where the leaders of the world's richest nations are meeting.

One of the dinghies had a banner that read "G8 Act Now". A Greenpeace spokeswoman said the organization wanted to hand the G-8 government leaders a petition calling on them to reach a deal on climate change and that the protest was protected by the constitution, despite the fact that it took place in a sealed off area where the government has prohibited any demonstrations.

Navy speedboats raced to intercept them and stopped the boats before they reached the beach. One speedboat collided with a rubber dinghy, throwing protesters overboard.

Commentators said the boats' ability to enter the navy-patrolled secure zone in which all unauthorized vessels are banned marks another embarrassment for German authorities after hundreds of protesters got into a designated no-protest zone around the summit venue on Wednesday. Hundreds managed to get right up to the 12 kilometer security fence surrounding the luxury hotel.

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