Shell Targetted Again by Protesters in Reading, UK

national | environment | news report Saturday November 11, 2006 19:19 by Shell-To-Sea-Reading

Inspired by last weeks action, activists have again targetted Shell with protest and direct-action in Reading. Overnight, activists reported that they had turned off the pumps at the Shell petrol station on Shinfield Road, Reading using the emergency shut-off switch on the wall of the shop, ready for the morning rushhour on 10th November. Later in the evening, 8 people held a protest outside the garage shop, opposite the pumps, giving out 200 leaflets and holding a banner demanding "S-HELL OUT OF IRELAND!"

The public were very sympathetic and supportive with many people urging us on. One lady from Tipperary declared her support saying "That's (Shell exploiting Ireland) not allowed!" whilst another, who knew of the situation in Nigeria and the execution of the Ogoni 8, commended us for taking action.

November 10th is the eleventh anniversary of the execution of Ken Saro Wiwa and eight other Ogoni anti-Shell activists by the Nigerian state, for campaigning against the devastation of their home in the Niger Delta by oil companies Shell and Chevron.

Eleven years on, as the destruction and resistance continues in Niger, in Ireland we are witnessing the conflict between Shell and the peaceful residents of Rossport, Mayo where oil companies and the state aim to build a highly dangerous, experimental gas pipeline and refinery putting lives, homes, the environment and livelihoods at stake.

We have also been horrified to hear of the violence levelled at peaceful protestors yesterday in Mayo by the Gardai. We condemn this state repression and send our best wishes and support to the people in Mayo.

Solidarity, Up Mayo!

For more information please see:

www.shelltosea.com
www.remembersarowiwa.com

For details of last weeks solidarity action in Reading, UK please see:

http://www.indymedia.org.uk/en/2006/11/355058.html