A court in the Russian Far Eastern city of Vladivostok sentenced a dozen North Korean fishermen to long sentences for attacking Russian coast guards in a clash in the Sea of Japan in 2019.
Twelve fishermen from the closed state were handed sentences from four to 13 years in prison.
The court found them guilty of attacking border guards who tried to detain them for fishing squid illegally in Sept. 2019, Russian media reported.
According to the court, the fishermen used sticks, metal rods, pipes and a knife in a clash with coastguards.
Russia said at the time that several of its coastguards were injured, with the FSB security services detaining dozens of the North Koreans.
Disputes over fishing rights in the area bordered by Japan, Russia and North and South Korea are frequent.
A Message from The Moscow Times:
Dear readers,
We are facing unprecedented challenges. Russia's Prosecutor General's Office has designated The Moscow Times as an "undesirable" organization, criminalizing our work and putting our staff at risk of prosecution. This follows our earlier unjust labeling as a "foreign agent."
These actions are direct attempts to silence independent journalism in Russia. The authorities claim our work "discredits the decisions of the Russian leadership." We see things differently: we strive to provide accurate, unbiased reporting on Russia.
We, the journalists of The Moscow Times, refuse to be silenced. But to continue our work, we need your help.
Your support, no matter how small, makes a world of difference. If you can, please support us monthly starting from just $2. It's quick to set up, and every contribution makes a significant impact.
By supporting The Moscow Times, you're defending open, independent journalism in the face of repression. Thank you for standing with us.
Remind me later.
