Greenpeace activists, returning home following Russian amnesty, express no regrets for protest

In this photo released by Greenpeace, Greenpeace International activist Captain Peter Willcox of the U.S. leaves for the departure lounge at St. Petersburg airport, in St. Petersburg, Russia, Friday, Dec. 27, 2013. Greenpeace activists released from custody following an amnesty over their protest in the Russian Arctic say they have no regrets. (AP Photo/Greenpeace International/ Dmitri Sharomov) (The Associated Press)

In this photo provided by Greenpeace, Greenpeace International activists Miguel Hernan Perez Orsi, second right, and Camila Speziale, left, both of Argentina leave for the departure lounge at St. Petersburg airport, in St. Petersburg, Russia, Friday, Dec. 27, 2013. Greenpeace activists released from custody following an amnesty over their protest in the Russian Arctic say they have no regrets. (AP Photo/Greenpeace International, Dmitri Sharomov) (The Associated Press)

LONDON – Greenpeace activists released from custody following an amnesty over their protest in the Russian Arctic say they have no regrets.

The 30 crew members were mounting an environmental protest outside an Arctic oil rig when Russian authorities detained them last September.

They crew was originally charged with piracy, a charge which was later downgraded to hooliganism. All 30 were released following the passage of an amnesty law, which observers have interpreted as an attempt to temper foreign criticism of Russia's human rights record.

Crew members were expected in various European cities later Friday, and many have already released statements through their local branch of Greenpeace.

Anthony Perret, the first to be released, told the BBC the ordeal was "definitely worth it."