intends to file a criminal complaint over the illegal seizure of the ship Arctic Sunrise last month. The ship and all its crewmembers were seized during a September 17 protest surrounding an oil platform in the Arctic Sea and continue to be held by Russian authorities.
“Armed men without identification boarded the vessel while wearing masks and pointing guns at those on board,”聽said Alexander Mukhortov, the U.S. ship captain鈥檚 Lawyer.聽“They then took control of the vessel, confiscated personal belongings and put everyone in custody without documenting any of these actions.鈥澛
In a press release, Greenpeace also claims mistreatment of the Artic Sunrise鈥檚 thirty crewmembers during transportation and detention. Greenpeace lawyers are citing a lack of drinking water, food, or the ability to exercise adequately.
The Netherlands also plans to file suit against Russia in hopes of recovering the ship and crew. The Dutch foreign minister explained, 鈥淚 feel responsible for the ship and its crew because it鈥檚 a ship that sails under the Dutch flag,鈥 . The Netherlands will file suit under the International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea.
The oil platform that prompted the Greenpeace protest is the first offshore rig in the Arctic.
(Just released: Interrogation of Captain Peter Willcox by the Investigative Committee on the Arctic Sunrise on Friday September 28)
(Video: Greenpeace protesters on Arctic oil platform)