Nigerian authorities exculpated 12 Russian sailors from the charge of smuggling.
The examination proved that there were no crime confederation among the crew members of African Pride tanker, now they are charged only of holding stolen goods, that threatens them with up to 6 month imprisonment.
Nigerian court was expected to pass definitive sentence on Wednesday, December 14. However, later sitting of the court has been reported to be put off till January. According to Ara Abramyan, the ambassador of good will, it is connected with "technical questions". "However, it is now definite, that both advocacy and prosecution sides have achieved understanding, and it is very encouraging", emphasized Abramyan.
Nigeria`s navy seized MT African Pride tanker along with 13 Russian sailors, on suspicion of smuggling in 2003. This year the sailors were freed after agreeing to be supervised by their diplomatic missions until the end of their trial.
sections: Accidents, World News |