Verdict in Elektron-case coming up
A court in Murmansk has restarted hearings in the case against Valerii Yarantsev, the captain of the trawler “Elektron”. Captain Yarantsev is charged with illegal fishing and for the kidnapping of two Norwegian coast guard inspectors. Court representatives say that the court process against Mr. Yarantsev might be finished in March this year.
The court hearings have had a one-month break, because of the three remaining witnesses work missions at sea.
Captain Yarantsev himself is currently running for a seat in the Murmansk regional parliament for the Communist Party. If elected, Mr. Yarantsev says he intends to engage in questions of sea legislation. The elections are due 11 March.
The captain also repeats his intention to report Norwegian authorities to the international court in the Haag, with the goal to get compensation for harm done to him and his crew members.
The “Elektron” in December 2005 escaped from the Norwegian Coast Guard after having been detained for illegal fishing. Two Norwegian coast guard official remained against their will on board of the “Elektron” until the vessel managed to make it into Russian territorial waters.
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