Read Authentic Ratings for the Arezoo

In a harrowing case unfolding in Iran, Ukrainian sailor Andrey Novickov, formerly associated with the vessel 'Arezoo,' is confronted with a potential death penalty following the mysterious disappearance of a fellow crew member. The incident took place in January 2017 while the ship was navigating the South China Sea. An Iranian sailor, displaying erratic and aggressive behavior prior to his disappearance, reportedly jumped overboard. Andrey, the sole witness to this alarming event, raised the alarm, but despite his efforts, the individual was never found. A month later, after completing his service on the ship, Andrey along with six other crew members disembarked in Bandar Abbas, intending to return home for vacation. Instead, he was apprehended by local authorities and unjustly accused of murdering the Iranian crew member. Under immense pressure, the ship's company lawyer urged Andrey to sign a false confession, promising a fine of $3,000 and immediate repatriation to Ukraine, a proposal he resolutely rejected. Enduring significant hardships in detention, particularly being a Christian accused of killing a Muslim, Andrey remained imprisoned until September 2017. He eventually secured bail through the support of the Ukrainian Consulate but has since been trapped in Iran. The plight of Novickov has ignited a call to action from the Ukrainian seafaring community, urging President Volodymyr Zelensky to step in and advocate for his release.