Two Oxford students were due in Westminster Magistrate’s Court today charged with causing criminal damage against the Canadian High Commission in London.
Jake Colman, from St Peter’s College, and Daniel Whitely, from University College along with another Oxford resident on 15th of December cut loose the Canadian flag from the Canadian High Commission. It was then defaced with crude oil while unfurling a banner reading “Shut Down the Tar Sands”.
The protesters stated that the action was in response to the actions of the Canadian government at the Copenhagen International Climate Summit. They accused Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper of acting in an obstructive manner in order to protect Canada’s Tar
Sands Industry. Tar Sands in Alberta, Canada is criticised by protesters for high levels of pollution.
One protester stated after the action, “This is just the beginning of a UK-based direct action campaign to stop Canadian Tar Sands.”
Protesters deface the Canadian flag on 15th of December.
