Rainbow Keepers

The Rainbow Keepers - environmentalists in the former Soviet Union - have been holding a protest against the construction of a gas terminal on the eastern shores of the Black Sea. Activists from 15 cities in Russia, the Ukraine and Tadzhikistan have set up their protest camps on the construction site. Peaceful negotiations broke down, resulting in security & police brutality. 4 activists were jailed for 5 days and went on hunger strike in an attempt to be recognised as political prisoners. Journalists were attacked and a vigilante group were encouraged by the oil company to assault the camp whilst the local authorities watched.