Greenpeace Activists Detained in Russia Face Two-Month Holding Period, Western Officials Demand Answers from Moscow

Canadian officials are insisting that Russia answer questions concerning the detention of two Canadians who were part of a group of activists who were captured after demonstrating at an oil platform in the Arctic.

"Consular services are being provided to the two Canadian citizens," Beatrice Fenelon, foreign ministry spokesperson, told AFP. She also added that Canadian representatives are "seeking further information about the detentions from local Russian authorities."

Russian border troops took custody of the 30 Greenpeace activists on board the ship, named the Arctic Sunrise, on Wednesday. Russian President Vladimir Putin said that the troops took hold of the vessel after their first protest because authorities were not sure of the ship's intentions in their waters. Some were worried that the ship housed pirates, Putin told the New York Times, despite there being distinct Greenpeace painting on the ship's body.

"Our border guards did not know who was trying to seize our platform under the disguise of Greenpeace," Putin stated at the time of the arrests. He then cited the terrorist attack at the Westgate Mall in Nairobi, saying, "Especially in the context of the bloody events that took place in Kenya, anything might have happened."

Now, the detained activists are facing court hearings, along with a two-month holding period by Russian authorities. A Russian court on Thursday called for a handful of the demonstrators, including the ship's American captain Peter Willcox and Canadian Paul Ruzycki, to be held in Moscow on grounds of alleged piracy.

Greenpeace's Canadian headquarters told AFP that it has asked to meet with Canadian Foreign Minister John Baird to discuss the situation.

Australian Colin Russell, who was one of the activists on board the Greenpeace ship, told Aussie news site ABC that he planned on appealing his detention in Russia.

The Department of Foreign Affairs said that officials have paid Russell a few visits in the northern city of Murmansk, where he is currently being held.

DFAT stated that, under Russian law, authorities must lodge formal charges against the 30 Greenpeacers in the next 10 days, or they can be set free.