Lawyers for the wife of the captain of a Russian-flagged oil tanker, seized by US forces in UK waters, have launched a judicial review, claiming his detention is unlawful. The vessel, Marinera (formerly Bella 1), has been in the Moray Firth since its capture earlier this month while traveling between Iceland and Scotland.
The sanctioned tanker was reportedly pursued across the Atlantic after approaching the naval blockade around Venezuela. Captain Avtandil Kalandadze, a Georgian national, was detained by US forces on 7 January. His wife, Natia Dzadzama, lodged a petition at the Court of Session in Edinburgh on Monday, seeking an emergency order to prevent the ship and crew from being removed from Scottish jurisdiction.
Solicitor Aamer Anwar stated: 'We submit that Natia Dzadzama’s husband was unlawfully detained and held by the US navy in Scotland. The captain’s wife is reasonably concerned about his safety and security on the ship, and we are seeking the intervention of the Scottish court to protect his legal rights.'
The petition alleges that Kalandadze is 'unlawfully being held in legal limbo without any recourse to a court or tribunal'. During a hearing on Monday, Lord Young granted an interim interdict prohibiting the advocate general for Scotland, the lord advocate, Scottish ministers, or their representatives from removing the captain and crew from the court's territorial jurisdiction. A full hearing is expected in the coming days.
The UK armed forces assisted in the Atlantic operation but did not board the vessel, which had initially flown the flag of Guyana before switching to a Russian flag. The Scottish Courts and Tribunal Service confirmed the petition was lodged on Monday afternoon.
