FIVE environmental campaigners dressed as clowns were due in court today after being arrested during a protest at a city petrol station.

The members of the Edinburgh Clown Army were detained yesterday afternoon at a biofuels protest in Bruntsfield and have since been charged with a breach of the peace.

The demonstration, which was part of the nationwide "April Bio-Fools Day" campaign, involved around 30 people outside the BP petrol station at Bruntsfield Links.

Eye-witnesses described the demonstration as having a "peaceful, friendly and party-like atmosphere".

The protesters object to UK legislation that requires fuel suppliers to blend 2.5 per cent biofuel into their petrol and diesel, as they claim this will cause environmental damage that may lead to a humanitarian crisis.

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Petrol station biofuel protesters to face trial

The charges allege that, while dressed as clowns, they acted in a disorderly manner outside the BP service station in Barclay Place, Bruntsfield, on Tuesday.

The charges further allege that they milled around, accosting and annoying customers, and preventing them from transacting their legitimate business.

William Rutherford, 45, of Carlops Avenue, Penicuik; Sophie Bastable, 20, and Laura Martinez, 22, of Warrender Park Crescent, Marchmont; Lena Pokorny, 22, of Marchmont Road; and Amy Naumann, 20, of Kinghorn, Fife, all pleaded not guilty to the charges. All were granted bail at Edinburgh Sheriff Court yesterday with a special condition that they did not enter any petrol station in Edinburgh unless the driver of or passenger in a car there for a legitimate purpose. Their trial was fixed for August 8th.

The demonstration was part of a national "April Bio-Fools Day".

Source: Edinburgh Evening News, Thursday, 17th April, 2008

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