Greenpeace activists face mischief charges after scaling Biosphre

Three Greenpeace activists are facing mischief charges after they scaled the Montreal Biosphre this morning and unfurled a giant banner to protest the treatment in Russia of members of the environmental group.

Andranne Lalonde, Philippe Dumont and David Majorwere taken into police custody and releasedon a promise to appear in court.

The activists are scheduled to appear in court on Feb. 20 and Feb. 21.

Earlier Wednesday, three people dressed in bright orange jackets and pantsattached themselves to the globe-like structurewith industrial climbing gear and harnesses.

At about 8:30 a.m. ET, the climbers unfurled thebanner that read: "Librez nos activists #FreeTheArctic30." In English, it means,"Free our activists, free the Arctic 30."

A Greenpeacespokesperson said the activists are experienced climbers.

Lalonde spoke with CBC's French serviceRadio-Canada using a cellphone as she rested on top of thedomed structure.

We are here to demand the freedom of all 30 Arctic activists," she said.

The charges against them are not only illegal, but also very extreme and out of proportion for what they were doing.

The group is asking federal Minister of Foreign Affairs John Baird to get involved in freeing theprotesters.

• 6 Greenpeace protesters released on bail in Russia

Emergency crews were on the ground, but no rescue efforts were attempted.

CBC's Shari Okeke said one first responder joked "they're better equipped than firefighters."

Group of activists charged with hooliganism

A group of Greenpeace activists, including QuebecerAlexandrePaul and another Canadian,were detained in September while protestingArctic oil drilling.

Paul's parents joined the protest at the Biosphreon Wednesday to call for their son's release.

His father,Raymond, saidhe's worried and stressed:"I only have one son."

Paulis scheduled for a bail hearing Thursday.

Quebec Minister of International RelationsJean-FranoisLise said he has been speaking with the Russian Consulate and lobbying on behalf of the protesters.

He said theseven-year sentence that the hooliganism charges could carryistoo long.

These people have been in jail for two months, in isolation, for trying to put a banner on a platform, Lise said.

I feel that the Russians want to make an example."

Six of thejailed foreign Greenpeace activists were granted bail by Russian courts on Tuesday, rulings that lawyers said will allow them to return home pending trial.

The other Canadian, Paul Ruzyckiof Port Colborne, Ont.,was among those cleared for release.

Greenpeace Canada Arctic campaign co-ordinator Christy Ferguson said the battle is far from over.

Some of the activists have been granted bail, but this does not mean they are free. From a legal perspective, this is only a lull in the storm, she said.