Russia: Dutch government asks court to free Greenpeace activists
| Publisher | Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty |
| Publication Date | 21 October 2013 |
| Cite as | Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, Russia: Dutch government asks court to free Greenpeace activists, 21 October 2013, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/528b679611.html [accessed 1 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. |
October 21, 2013
Dutch Foreign Minister Frans Timmermans (file photo)
The Netherlands says it has asked an international tribunal to order Russia to release an environmental protest ship and the activists who were on board.
Dutch Foreign Minister Frans Timmermans says the government made the request on October 21 to the International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea, based in Hamburg, Germany.
A group of 28 Greenpeace activists and two journalists have been held since their ship, the "Arctic Sunrise," was seized by the Russian Coast Guard after a protest outside a Gazprom-owned oil rig on September 18.
They have been charged with piracy, an offense that carries a maximum 15-year sentence in Russia.
The Netherlands is taking action because the "Arctic Sunrise" sails under a Dutch flag. Timmermans said it expected a hearing within three weeks.
Based on reporting by Reuters, AFP, and AP
Link to original story on RFE/RL website
