Radio operator for the Arctic Sunrise ship Russell had spent 70 in detention after the Greenpeace vessel’s crew were arrested while protesting an offshore oil rig and should be out by the weekend once paperwork is finalised.
Greenpeace has confirmed a hearing at the City Court of St Petersburg saw the release of Russell follow that of his 29 colleagues at a cost of two million roubles (about £40,000) each.
They have all been released on the condition they don’t leave the country.
The Greenpeace statement also included a message from Russell’s wife Christine, who is flying from Sydney with their daughter Madeleine to St Petersburg to be with her husband.
“This is such wonderful news – my daughter and I are one step closer to being in the arms of my darling Col,” she is quoted saying.
“I am so relieved that my beautiful, peaceful man will soon be out of detention.”
Her celebrations are however muted as there is still a long way to go before the activists return to their respective homes.
“It’s only when all of the Arctic 30 are free to go home will we be able to properly celebrate,” Christine said.
“What I am hoping for is that Col, Maddy and I will be home in Woodbridge together by Christmas.”
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