The captain of an oil tanker seized by United States military forces may currently be aboard an American vessel that is preparing to leave British territorial waters, a Scottish court was informed last night.
Captain Detained Since January Following US Operation
Captain Avtandil Kalandadze has been held in detention since January 7th, following the boarding of the oil tanker Marinera, previously named the Bella 1, by US military personnel. The vessel was initially intercepted between Iceland and Scotland as it was en route to Russia, before being escorted to the Moray Firth near Burghead to take on essential supplies.
Legal Challenge Launched by Captain's Wife
The latest developments emerged after Natia Dzadzama, the Georgian captain's wife, lodged a formal petition at the Court of Session in Edinburgh. She is seeking a judicial review to examine the lawfulness of her husband's ongoing detention. Legal documents submitted in the case express Mrs. Kalandadze's profound concerns regarding her husband's safety and wellbeing.
Her legal representatives have argued that the United States government appears to be attempting to circumvent established extradition procedures to transport Captain Kalandadze to America. They contend that such actions would constitute a clear breach of his fundamental human rights.
Court Grants Limited Interim Interdict
Lord Young, presiding over the case, issued an interim interdict that prevents UK and Scottish authorities from removing Mr. Kalandadze from Scotland while further court proceedings are pending. However, he explicitly stated that he does not possess the legal authority to issue any order against the United States government or its President.
Christopher Pirie, KC, representing the UK Government, informed the court that officials were unable to definitively confirm Captain Kalandadze's current location. He stated, 'The information provided to us is that he has been transferred to a US Coast Guard vessel which is planning to depart.' Lord Young was advised that this vessel may be leaving UK territorial waters in the very near future.
Concerns Over Jurisdiction and Protection
Claire Mitchell, KC, addressing the court, emphasised a crucial point of principle. 'If people have been brought to Scotland, they are entitled to the protection of the Scottish courts,' she argued. 'It cannot be that a foreign state is able to bring people to this country, hold them for an indefinite period and then simply remove them again. We cannot simply allow a foreign government to leave with those people on board.'
In his ruling, Lord Young clarified the scope of his order. 'I am going to grant an interim interdict, but in a restricted form. On the basis 26 of them are under the control of the UK or Scottish authorities, there is a clear basis to direct the interdict against the Advocate General, the Lord Advocate and Scottish ministers. I do not have power to grant an interdict against the US government or the President of the United States.'
Background of the Seizure and Ongoing Situation
The operation to seize the Marinera followed the US military's removal of Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro from power and his subsequent transfer to New York for trial. The US Coast Guard pursued the tanker for over two weeks across the Atlantic Ocean. This action forms part of Washington's broader strategy to disrupt and block Venezuelan oil exports.
The Ministry of Defence has previously confirmed that it provided operational support to the American-led mission. It stated that 'disrupting and degrading' Russia's so-called 'shadow fleet' of oil tankers remains a key priority.
Currently, the Marinera remains anchored off the coast of Burghead. Meanwhile, 26 other crew members are reported to be detained in Inverness by the UK Border Force.
Aamer Anwar, solicitor for Mrs. Dzadzama, commented on the legal action. 'We sought an emergency order to prevent the removal of the ship, captain and crew before a full hearing in the coming days,' he explained, highlighting the urgency of the situation as the legal battle continues.
