American conservationists in dugong lawsuit visit Henoko, show solidarity with local citizens
November 30, 2017 Ryukyu Shimpo online edition
On November 30, the plaintiffs in the dugong lawsuit against the U.S. came to i
nspect Henoko.
This lawsuit is aimed at stopping construction of the Futenma Air Station replacement facility, as the construction will affect precious dugong.
The plaintiffs comprise American and Japanese citizens, and environmental protection groups including the American organization Center for Biological Diversity.
That morning, the plaintiffs joined the ongoing sit-in protest against replacement facility construction in front of Camp Schwab’s gate and socialized with the local citizens there.
A founder of the Center for Biological Diversity, Peter Galvin, gave a statement that was received with resounding applause: “My dream is to swim together with the dugong in Henoko at a time that Camp Schwab will not have been expanded into ocean.
It is a sad thing that the U.S. military is oppressing the peaceful people of Okinawa.
When I return to the U.S. I will double my efforts in the fight against building the base.
We will not give up.”
Mati Waiya, a Native American among the plaintiffs, offered a prayer in traditional Chumash style for the sit-in protestors.
(English translation by T&CT and Erin Jones)
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