Sailors were released in Congo – Russian MFA

02.02.2010 Source: RIA Novosti, photo: Reuters

Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Monday confirmed release of 8 Ukrainian sailors; one of them has Russian citizenship.

An absolutory sentence was given to crewmembers of cargo ship Island of Luck on Jan 30 as a result of final session of Kinshasa Court (Democratic Republic of Congo). The sailors were previously charged with murder of Congolese citizens illegally intruded on board the vessel.

"During more than three months of detention, the sailors were supported with legal, consular and moral assistance by Russian and Ukrainian embassies; they provided the prisoners with transport and translation services. Representative of Russian Embassy's consular section attended investigatory actions and court sessions", reported Russian MFA.

Released crewmen have returned home today, informed Monday Ukrainian MFA. "On February 1, 2010 at 00.01 pm (01.01pm Moscow time) Ukrainian crewmembers of MV Island of Luck arrived to Ukraine; they were arrested by authorities of Democratic Republic of Congo on Oct 22, 2009 on the charge of commission of crime against Congolese citizens", says the press-release.

Sailors are supplied with warm clothing; their health and psychological status are normal, added Russian MFA.