Wife of Russian Tanker Captain Seeks Judicial Review in Scottish Court
Legal proceedings have been initiated in Scotland concerning the detention of the captain of a Russian-flagged oil tanker, the Marinera, which was captured by United States forces earlier this month. The vessel, previously known as the Bella 1, is currently moored in the Moray Firth, a sheltered maritime area off the east coast of Scotland between the Highlands and the counties of Moray and Aberdeenshire.
Legal Action Launched in Edinburgh
On Monday, lawyers acting on behalf of Natia Dzadzama, the wife of Captain Avtandil Kalandadze, lodged a petition for judicial review at the Court of Session in Edinburgh. The legal team, led by solicitor Aamer Anwar, argues that Captain Kalandadze, a Georgian national, is being unlawfully detained by the US navy aboard the Marinera since 7 January. The petition contends that he is being held in a state of legal limbo without access to proper judicial recourse to defend his rights.
Aamer Anwar stated: "Today we lodged a petition for judicial review of the lawfulness of the detention of Captain Avtandil Kalandadze. 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 her husband's safety and security on the ship, and today we are seeking the intervention of the Scottish court of session in order to protect the legal rights of her husband."
Court Grants Interim Interdict
During an evening hearing on Monday, Lord Young granted an interim interdict in a restricted form. This legal order prohibits the respondents—namely the Advocate General for Scotland, the Lord Advocate, and the Scottish Ministers, or anyone acting on their behalf—from removing the captain and crew of the Marinera from the territorial jurisdiction of the Scottish court. The lawyers are seeking an emergency order to prevent the ship and its occupants from being moved, with hopes for a full hearing to take place in the coming days.
Background of the Tanker Incident
The Marinera, a sanctioned oil tanker, was captured by US forces as it travelled through waters between Iceland and Scotland. Reports indicate that the vessel had been pursued across the Atlantic by US forces after apparently approaching the naval blockade around Venezuela. Notably, the tanker had initially been falsely flying the flag of Guyana before switching to a Russian flag. The United Kingdom's armed forces assisted in the operation in the Atlantic earlier this month but did not board the vessel.
Legal papers are being served on Scotland's Lord Advocate, the Advocate General who represents the UK government, Scottish ministers, and US President Donald Trump. The Scottish Courts and Tribunal Service has confirmed that the petition for judicial review was formally lodged with the court on Monday afternoon, marking a significant development in this international maritime and legal dispute.
