Petition to save Khimki Forest in Russia

Help stop the Moscow–St. Petersburg motorway bulldozing Khimki forest – and 
local people!

Dear carfree friends,

You may have heard last summer about Russian President Medvedev's decision to 
temporarily halt preparatory works for a 43-km section of the Moscow – St. 
Petersburg motorway near Moscow, after determined protests from local people in 
the Movement to Defend Khimki Forest against the destruction of the Khimki 
Forest.

The forest is a protected natural area including relic oak groves and is a 
natural habitat for elks, boars and other wild animals. In this polluted and 
densely populated region its value for local people is enormous – so much so 
that local people have continued their campaign in spite of brutal attacks, 
illegitimate arrests and even threats to take their children away. Activist 
Konstantin Fetisov is still unconscious after a brutal attack with a baseball 
bat by unknown perpetrators in November 2010, while local journalist Mikhail 
Beketov, who was attacked in November 2008, has been left heavily brain-damaged 
and has had a leg and several fingers amputated.

However, after a so-called 'review' of the routing by the Russian government, 
works are planned to start again in late April after French construction company 
Vinci signs a new agreement with the Russian government.

With such a trail of destruction behind it, we believe it's high time to put 
pressure on  Vinci to get out of this project. Please show your support:

1) Ask Vinci not to sign any new agreement with the Russian government and to 
withdraw from the project by signing this e-petition at Change.org, which 
automatically sends a letter to Vinci when you sign.

2) Organise an action during the Week of Action against Vinci 24 – 30 April 
2011. If there is no Vinci office in your country, try the Russian or French 
embassy instead. Please let us know if you plan to take part.

For more information, please contact: 
YaroslavNikitenko,
the Movement to Defend Khimki Forest
ecmoru (at) gmail.com

Best regards,

Simon.

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