One of the charges against the master of the ship is the illegal importation of weapons, with the other crew members accused of aiding and abetting the importation of weapons. The master also faces charges relating to illegal bunkering.
The importation charges centre around allegations the the Seaman Guard Ohio was in Indian territorial waters, a point the defence denies. Also highlighted is the intent of the master and crew, which was to go about their lawful business, not illegally import weapons into India.
Of the 35 crew members, 10 seafarers and 25 private maritime security contractors, that were arrested along with the ship last October, 33 will be released on bail this Friday, a source close to the matter told Seatrade Global.
The judgement means that 14 Estonians, 12 Indians of the five Britons and two Ukrainians will be released on bail this week, as efforts to secure the release of their fellow crew members and withdraw charges against all of the 35 men continue.
A fundraising campaign to support the crew members and their families, overseen by the Mission to Seafarers, continues.
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