The Indian captain of an alleged Russian shadow fleet oil vessel seized by British commandos has been made a “scapegoat”, his wife told AFP, as her husband awaits trial.
It was “probably… the first time” a captain is arrested over “the commercial aspect” rather than safety issues, for example, he said.
For Pant’s family in the sleepy Himalayan foothill town of Ramnagar, his arrest has brought those fears sharply into focus. Pant’s trial, scheduled to begin on December 15, could become a key test as European nations step up action against Russia’s shadow fleet.
Pant’s wife said he is the victim, and is struggling in custody after being denied bail. In a court hearing, Pant’s lawyer said he was “simply following orders” as an employee of the vessel’s owner — an argument his wife reiterated.
Ajay Pant, 38, in custody in Britain, has been charged with sanctions offences carrying a maximum 10-year prison sentence, in a case that could set a legal precedent for merchant seafarers.
