The Investigative Committee confirmed that the group was being moved and said the transfer was needed as the body investigating the case is based in St. Petersburg. The relocation of the group started at 5 a.m. local time, according to RIA Novosti.
St. Petersburg is situated around 1,080 kilometers south of Murmansk. The activists were sent by train, B-port reports. Russia has special wagons that are used for transporting prisoners.
As of now the activists, who have become known under the name of “Arctic 30” are still charged with both piracy and hooliganism. No official confirmation has been given by the Russian authorities that the charge of piracy has been dropped, even though they clearly stated to the world’s media that this charge would be withdrawn. The Arctic 30 now stand accused of both offences, which carry a maximum sentence of 15 and 7 years, respectively.
