Friday, November 22, 2013 - 04:34
Putin stands up for Greenpeace activists
The Greenpeace activists in Russia would be offered grace, according to President Vladimir Putin Thursday. They campaigned for a noble cause, but should not have climbed a platform. However, the state should show mercy, stated Putin to state news agency RIA Novosti.Putin made the statement during an encounter with Russian writers, publishers, reviewers, and booksellers. He pointed out that not every noble cause justifies any means, but did stand up for the activists.
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author: Russian Presidential Press and Information Office
kremlin.ru It is the first time Putin commented in such a way on the case. Shortly after the activists were sued for piracy, he also said the crew were no pirates. Russia seized the Greenpeace ship, Arctic Sunrise, in September, and detained the crew of thirty, after a protest at an oil rig in the Arctic Ocean. So far 26 of the activists were released on bail, including the Dutch Faiza Oulahsen and Mannes Ubels. The 'Arctic 30' are sued for hooliganism. Initially, they were also charged with piracy, but it is not clear whether that accusation was dropped. They were released, but remain suspects, and are not allowed to leave Russia for the duration of the case. Netherlands demands the charges be withdrawn, and that the Arctic Sunrise and the passengers are allowed to leave Russia. For that purpose, Netherlands filed a case before the International Maritime Tribunal in Hamburg. The verdict is scheduled for Friday at 15:00. It is unclear whether Russia will honor the ruling of the tribunal. The country announced early on not to recognize the tribunal's authority in this case.
![[[{"type":"media","view_mode":"media_large","fid":"26531","attributes":{"class":"media-image size-medium wp-image-8879","typeof":"foaf:Image","style":"","width":"226","height":"300","alt":"Vladimir_Putin"}}]]](http://www.nltimes.nl/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/Vladimir_Putin.jpg){kind=link}
author: Russian Presidential Press and Information Office
kremlin.ru It is the first time Putin commented in such a way on the case. Shortly after the activists were sued for piracy, he also said the crew were no pirates. Russia seized the Greenpeace ship, Arctic Sunrise, in September, and detained the crew of thirty, after a protest at an oil rig in the Arctic Ocean. So far 26 of the activists were released on bail, including the Dutch Faiza Oulahsen and Mannes Ubels. The 'Arctic 30' are sued for hooliganism. Initially, they were also charged with piracy, but it is not clear whether that accusation was dropped. They were released, but remain suspects, and are not allowed to leave Russia for the duration of the case. Netherlands demands the charges be withdrawn, and that the Arctic Sunrise and the passengers are allowed to leave Russia. For that purpose, Netherlands filed a case before the International Maritime Tribunal in Hamburg. The verdict is scheduled for Friday at 15:00. It is unclear whether Russia will honor the ruling of the tribunal. The country announced early on not to recognize the tribunal's authority in this case.