Eight people protesting mountaintop removal coal mining were
arrested outside Alpha Natural Resources headquarters in Bristol , Virginia
Mountain Justice, an environmental organization, says the
activists also were protesting the opening of new mines on Coal River Mountain in southern West Virginia
Police say one of the protesters tied himself to a flagpole and
flew a banner saying "Save
Coal River
Mountain
Media outlets report that charges against the protesters include
trespassing, obstructing free passage, disorderly conduct and violation of fire
codes. A Monday court date was set.
Alpha spokesman Steve Hawkins says the activists are members of
a West Virginia-based group that's protesting a broader issue that does not
relate to the local community.
