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Investigation bringing charges against Greenpeace activists

According to the investigation, the suspects, if at large, might flee from justice, continue criminal activity or influence the proceedings
Photo EPA/IGOR PODGORNY/GREENPEACE
Photo EPA/IGOR PODGORNY/GREENPEACE

MOSCOW, October 2 (Itar-Tass) - The investigation on Wednesday has started to bring charges against the Greenpeace activist from the Arctic Sunrise ship who attempted to board the Prirazlomnaya oil drilling platform protesting oil exploration in the Arctic, the press service of the Russian Investigative Committee told Itar-Tass.

On September 18, the Arctic Sunrise ship, flying the Dutch flag, approached the Prirazlomnaya offshore oil drilling platform, and the Greenpeace activists who were on the vessel, attempted to board the facility. They were stopped by the border guards and their vessel was taken in tow to Murmansk port. The investigators opened a criminal case over piracy, but they did not rule out that the charges might be eased. A total of 30 crewmembers - nationals of 19 countries - were detained. The court placed them under arrest for two months.

Russians Denis Sinyakov and Roman Dolgov were among the first to have been remanded in custody for two months. Two other Russians were also arrested. The ship’s captain, U.S. citizen Peter Wilcox will also spend two months in detention.

According to the investigation, the suspects, if at large, might flee from justice, continue criminal activity or influence the proceedings. They are currently held several detention centres in Murmansk Oblast.