Greenpeace ship
Arctic Sunrise that was boarded by Russian
spetnaz when activists attempted to board the
Priaraziomnaya oil rig in September 2013 was released on Friday. The thirty protesters on board were released after three months of international protest, but Russian authorities kept the ship docked in Murmansk. Greenpeace International lawyers said the investigating committee unexpectedly informed the group
Arctic Sunrise could leave, but it asked the ship be allowed to stay until it was seaworthy again and a crew arrives. Essential navigation gear was removed by Russian authorities and is held separately. Greenpeace says the ship was seized illegally on the high seas during a peaceful protest against oil exploitation in the Arctic. The international environmental group promised the ship, like their campaign against Arctic drilling, will emerge from the ordeal "better, fitter and stronger".
