Shell sues Greenpeace in Dutch court to halt demonstrations against Artic drilling
by The Associated Press
Suit comes after Sept. 14 protest in which activists clamped Shell gas pumps together with bike locks
AMSTERDAM, Netherlands—Royal Dutch Shell PLC is suing Greenpeace International in Dutch court in an attempt to end unruly protests against its plans to drill for offshore oil in the Artic Sea.
Shell wants the environmental organization fined $1.3-million if any of its members approach within 500-metres of any Shell property.
The suit shows Shell going on an offensive to protect its $4.5-billion investment in two projects off the coast of Alaska it says will create hundreds of jobs.
Greenpeace says Artic drilling is harmful and risky and has protested with publicity stunts around the world.
The trigger for the suit was a Sept. 14 protest in which activists blocked Shell gas stations in the Netherlands by clamping gas pumps together with bike locks.
