The Charges
Why would we arrest the people fighting for the planet?
As the United Nations declares a code red on climate, water protectors—like many frontline land defenders from around the world—are facing escalated charges, unjustly increased bail, state violence, and physical abuse.
Learn more about the issues and charges water protector defendants are facing below.
Photo from Giniw Collective
+ Treaty Rights
Water protectors are facing charges for defending treaty rights guaranteed to the Anishnaabeg in the 1854, 1855, and 1867 treaties - treaty rights that are protected by the US Constitution and affirmed by the US Supreme Court. Indigenous water protectors have been arrested for allegedly trespassing while in ceremony on land that federal law states they have the right to hunt, fish and perform ceremony on.
The federal and Minnesota state government have thus far failed at their responsibility to uphold the treaties, and water protectors should not be criminalized for protecting these rights. Learn more about treaty rights. Drop the charges!
+ Climate & Environment
Water protectors put their bodies at risk to protect the land, air and water for current and future generations. With the climate in “code red” during a year of horrific climate catastrophe, Attorney General Ellison and Governor Walz should listen to water protectors, not criminalize and prosecute them. Drop the charges. The Line 3 tar sands pipeline is an unconscionable expansion of fossil fuel infrastructure at a time when the science is clear: we need to reverse the fossil fuel economy’s growth before it’s too late. Line 3 will result in more carbon emissions than the entire state of Minnesota currently produces, equivalent to building 50 new coal-fired power plants.
Enbridge’s track record includes the largest inland oil spill in US history, a recent $3.2 million fine from the MN Department of Natural Resources for violating environmental laws during Line 3 construction, and over 800 spills in the last 15 years. Drop the charges!
+ Police Repression
Water protectors have endured police violence and other repressive tactics for exercising their first amendment right to protest and uphold treaties between the U.S. government and the Anishinaabeg. The police have used surveillance, harassment, physical torture ("pain compliance") and made over 1000 arrests. These police actions have been funded by Enbridge to the tune of $4.8 million, violating the company's agreement with the Public Utility Commission not to engage in counterinsurgency tactics. Drop the Charges!
+ Escalated Charges
Some water protectors are facing particularly escalated felony charges. These arbitrary and punitive charges are designed to deter water protectors from taking action, impinging on our right to free speech. Drop the charges.