Chinese vessel Fu Yuan Yu Leng 999. (Photo: Stock File)
China expects Ecuador to respect the law in Galapagos case
ECUADOR
Tuesday, August 29, 2017, 02:50 (GMT + 9)
The Chinese government is confident that Ecuadorian Court and environmental protection institutions in Ecuador will act "in compliance with the law" in the case of the vessel Fu Yuan Yu Leng 999, which was captured off the Galapagos coast.
"The Chinese side believes that the relevant departments of Ecuador will handle the case in compliance with the law and will also guarantee the legitimate rights and interests of the affected Chinese people and companies," said Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Hua Chunying, at a press conference.
He pointed out that the Chinese government officials are already aware of the capture and sentencing of the crew, and recalled that one of this country’s government policies is to oppose any form of illegal fishing, reported El Telégrafo.
"As for the protection of threatened wildlife, the Chinese government has adopted a 'zero tolerance' attitude towards participation in the illegal trade of endangered wild animals and plants and their products," Hua said.
The official reiterated the Chinese government's request to Chinese-owned fishing companies to "always operate legally to protect the marine environment."
The spokesperson's reaction came a day after Ecuador's Court condemned the members of the Chinese vessel to prison for between one and four years for the crime of possession and transportation of protected species.
The ruling was issued after three days without judgment, which also determined that the guilty party must pay USD 5.9 million in full reparation for damages caused to the fragile marine ecosystem of the Galapagos Islands.
The ruling also included the criminal confiscation of the vessel by the state-owned real estate company for the benefit of the population of the archipelago and, if it is auctioned off, the value of the sale will reach the Galapagos National Park.
The offense is typified in article 247 of the Integrated Criminal Code. This process was duly supported by the private accusation of the Galapagos National Park Administration and San Cristobal Prosecutor's Office.
Source: El Telégrafo
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