Toxics Action against Detention at Japanese Embassy in the Hague

Greenpeace stages protests today in 21 countries demanding the release of three activists jailed in Japan for 6 days without bail, after protesting at the Tokyo Toy Fair against the use of toxic chemicals in children's toys. The activists are dressed in prison clothes with their mouths taped shut. Greenpeace is calling on the Japanese government to allow freedom of expression as is required under international human rights law. 'It is unjust to detain the activists who staged a peaceful protest at a public building to save the children from potentially dangerous PVC toys', says Greenpeace International executive director, Thilo Bode, at a demonstration at the Japanese embassy in The Hague. 'By raiding the office of Greenpeace Japan the Japanese police wants to silence the critical voices in Japan'. The activists Mark Watson (NZ), Richard Pearson (UK/Aus) and Kirsty Hamilton (Aus), who abseiled down the side of a building to unfurl a banner saying 'Play Safe, Buy PVC Free', on March 18th, were arrested but have yet to be formally charged. The Japanese authorities have indicated they will be charged with trespass and interfering with business. The Toy Fair action was part of Greenpeace's international campaign to remove toxic polyvinyl (PVC) plastic toys from sale around the world. Soft PVC is used for example in teethers, rattles and squeeze toys. It can contain 10 to 40 per cent by weight of toxic additives, known as phthalates. These additives have been linked to cancers, liver and kidney damage in laboratory animals. The Japanese government has not banned PVC toys or required retailers to remove them from shop shelves, while several countries in Europe and North America have already done so.