The Russian Embassy commented on the detention of the DF Peak tanker

French authorities are trying to justify the detention of the DF Peak tanker by citing maritime law, calling it piracy.

References to Article 110 of the 1982 UN Convention on the Law of the Sea and references to violation of sanctions are illegitimate measures to cover up piracy.

Earlier, French President Emmanuel Macron said that the French Navy stopped the Benin-flagged tanker DF Peak in the Indian Ocean.

PARIS, Oct 13 - RIA Novosti. The French authorities, citing maritime law, are trying to cover up outright piracy, the Russian Embassy in Paris told RIA Novosti, commenting on the detention of the DF Peak tanker.

“Any references to Article 110 of the 1982 UN Convention on the Law of the Sea to justify the detention, as well as allegations about “international sanctions” allegedly violated by the tanker, which in reality are illegitimate unilateral measures, are nothing more than a “fig leaf” designed to cover up outright piracy and robbery,” the diplomatic mission told the agency.

Earlier, French President Emmanuel Macron said that the French Navy stopped the DF Peak tanker flying the Benin flag in the Indian Ocean. He tried to justify the detention of the tanker by the norms of international maritime law.