The Greens are calling for the immediate release of Natasha Verco, who has been imprisoned in Denmark since her arrest during the COP15 climate conference in Copenhagen three weeks ago.
"The use of heavy handed and disproportionate tactics like preemptive arrest of peaceful demonstrators was a grim counterpoint to the total failure of Governments to come up with a just and effective response to climate change," said Greens Senator Scott Ludlam.
"Natasha Verco is an Australian whose record of work for climate justice speaks for itself. She was arrested, along with many others, for the crime of helping organise a peaceful demonstration in Copenhagen. She has been incarcerated ever since.
"I have written to the Danish Consul General demanding her immediate release.
"It is utterly perverse that people seeking to give voice to community demands for action on climate change should pay this kind of price. Mrs Verco and all those who remain behind bars with her should be released today," he concluded.
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Natasha Verco was arrested on Tuesday December 15th, a day before the major 'Reclaim Power' protest during the United Nations climate negotiations in Copenhagen. She is being charged with "incitement" for her role in organising the climate justice protest, and will appear in court in Copenhagen on Monday January 4th 2010.