Indonesia Deports Greenpeace Activists

Indonesia Deports Greenpeace Activists For Joining Protest Against Forest Destruction

(AP)  PEKANBARU, Indonesia (AP) - Indonesian authorities say they are deporting 11 foreign Greenpeace activists for joining a protest against forest destruction.

Immigration official Jumanter Lubis said Saturday the activists violated their tourist visas and are being sent home.

The environmental activists from Spain, Brazil, Germany, Thailand and the Philippines sought to draw attention to the massive destruction of peatland forests ahead of a key U.N. climate conference in Denmark.

The group entered land owned by PT Riau Andalan Pulp and Paper, one of Indonesia's largest paper companies, on Thursday. Police said 44 Indonesian activists were questioned and 21 charged.

Indonesia's once abundant forests are being cut down at a rapid rate, threatening endangered wildlife.