FORMER Beatle Sir Paul McCartney has appealed for the release of a Newport Greenpeace activist, who could face a further three month imprisoned in Russia.

Russia’s Investigative Committee announced it will apply for a three-month extension to the detention of the Arctic 30.

Anthony Perrett from Newport has been in custody ever since Russian authorities boarded the Arctic Sunrise, together with 29 other activists and journalists.

On his website, McCartney posted the letter he sent to President Vladimir Putin, stating he has not yet had a reply.

But the Russian Ambassador responded saying their situation ‘is not properly represented in the world media’.

McCartney wrote: "It would be great if this misunderstanding could be resolved and the protesters can be home with their families in time for Christmas. We live in hope.”

The letter reads: “Vladimir, millions of people in dozens of countries would be hugely grateful if you were to intervene to bring about an end to this affair. I understand of course that the Russian courts and the Russian Presidency are separate.

“Nevertheless I wonder if you may be able to use whatever influence you have to reunite the detainees with their families?”

The committee will make applications in front of a judge at hearings next week.

Some of the applications to keep the 30 in jail have been filed with the Kalininskiy District Court, with more expected to follow on Monday.

Greenpeace lawyers have been told the Investigative Committee is applying to keep the detainees in prison for a further three months while they investigate their alleged crimes.

The Committee needs to apply to a court to have its application upheld. If it is not upheld by a judge, the 30 will be released.

Greenpeace International Executive Director Kumi Naidoo said: “Our hearts break for our friends in jail and for their loved ones on the outside. We will fiercely resist this absurd attempt to keep those men and women in jail for a crime they did not commit.

The Arctic 30 have now been detained by the Russian authorities for nearly two months, since the Arctic Sunrise was seized on September 19.

Despite promising to withdraw the charge of piracy, Greenpeace say that the Investigative Committee has so far failed to formally do so.