An Azerbaijani citizen has been arrested as a result of an incident with the vessel Seagull in the island of Mikonos (Greece), Tahir Taghizadeh, Chief of the Information and Press department of Azerbaijan`s Foreign Office told Trend today.
On September 27, 2006, in the waters nearby the Greek island of Mikonos, the Greek Coastguard detained the vessel Seagull went under the flag of US and 5 members of its crew for the illegal carriage of 61 illegal migrants (Hindus). Among the other arrested, 3 citizens of Ukraine, and one citizen from Georgia All the detained including the Azerbaijani is still under arrest now.. The Greek party is investigating the fact, and the Azerbaijani Embassy to Greece keeps its eye on the situation.
Mr. Taghizadeh pointed out that all the detained in the island of Mikonos then were sent to the Greek island of Khios. According to the Greek laws, the investigation on this case can last up to one year. If it is proved that the lives of the illegal immigrants were under mortal danger, the crew might face 5-10-year imprisonment.