Russia to release seized Greenpeace ship
| Publisher | Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty |
| Publication Date | 6 June 2014 |
| Cite as | Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, Russia to release seized Greenpeace ship, 6 June 2014, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/53b280bd23.html [accessed 5 June 2023] |
| Disclaimer | This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States. |
June 06, 2014
Russian forces seized the "Arctic Sunrise" (pictured) last September.
Greenpeace International says Russian authorities have informed the environment group they will release its ship "Arctic Sunrise."
Greenpeace's Dutch-flagged vessel has been held in the northern port of Murmansk since it was seized during a protest against Arctic oil drilling last September.
On June 6, the Amsterdam-based group reaffirmed its belief that the actions of Russian authorities in seizing the ship and arresting 30 people on board were against international law.
The crew and journalists were held in Russian custody for weeks after their arrest.
Originally facing a charge of piracy, they were later targeted with less severe hooliganism accusations.
In March, Greenpeace launched a case at the European Court of Human Rights for what it says was the illegal detention of its activists because it breached their rights to freedom of expression.
Based on reporting by AP and AFP
Link to original story on RFE/RL website
