UK jailing of Indian sailor over Russia sanctions sets off ‘perfect storm’

What happened: Indian sailor Ajay Pant was arrested by British armed forces after the Royal Marines intercepted the MT Smyrtos in the English Channel. He faces charges of flouting UK sanctions against Russia and could face up to 10 years in prison if convicted. Key numbers: Up to 10 years in Why it matters: Lawyers and seafarer groups say this is the first known instance of a European nation keeping a ship captain under arrest on such grounds, and it could set a worrying precedent. Other European countries have kept vessels but let sailors go. Separate each section with a blank line.

Indian sailor Ajay Pant was arrested by British armed forces after the Royal Marines intercepted the MT Smyrtos in the English Channel. He faces charges of flouting UK sanctions against Russia and could face up to 10 years in prison if convicted.

Lawyers and seafarer groups say this is the first known instance of a European nation keeping a ship captain under arrest on such grounds, and it could set a worrying precedent. Other European countries have kept vessels but let sailors go. Separate each section with a blank line.