The Maltese government is applying maritime law to the letter when it comes to the stranded Freedom Flotilla vessel “Conscience”, which according to the activists of Freedom Flotilla, has been hit by Israeli drones.
The government has informed the captain of “Conscience” that, since the vessel has no flag and no insurance, the Maltese authorities will arrest the crew and impound the vessel if it enters Maltese waters. The crew of “Conscience” have been made aware of this and understand that they will be arrested if they enter Malta’s territorial waters. The crew of the “Conscience” are making requests to the authorities not to arrest them once they enter Malta’s waters, but the Maltese authorities have not changed their position.
The crew members have refused to board a Maltese vessel to be brought to Malta. An Armed Forces of Malta patrol boat is out at sea near the “Conscience”, standby. It has prevented activists leaving from Malta to board the ship including Greta Thunberg.
Meanwhile, Malta’s security authorities lack the capabilities to verify whether a drone attack actually occurred. The government is in a position where it can neither confirm nor deny that such an attack took place. The crew of the “Conscience” have refused a maritime surveyor to board their ship to investigate the damage.
“Conscience” became stranded just outside Maltese waters after crew members alleged that the vessel was hit by Israeli drones. The vessel was aided by the Maltese authorities. A day prior, an Israeli war plane made a reconnaissance mission along Malta’s sea-borders and airspace.
The Israeli government has refused to respond to inquiries about the incident, despite multiple journalists submitting questions.
Newsroom
Leave a Reply