Ukrainians get suspended jail terms in Oman for disturbing nesting sea turtles
Two Ukrainians have received suspended one-month prison sentences and fines in Oman after climbing onto nesting sea turtles, handling smaller turtles and posting footage of their actions on Instagram.
A court in Sur convicted Vadim and Olena of conduct likely to harm and disturb nesting turtles at the Ras Al Hadd Turtle Reserve, Oman’s Public Prosecution said, according to the Oman Observer.
Investigators found that the pair climbed onto the backs of large turtles, handled smaller turtles and disturbed the animals by touching and approaching them inside the reserve.
Each was fined 100 Omani rials (about $260). The court also imposed one-month prison sentences for using information technology to produce and publish content deemed prejudicial to public order. The custodial sentences were suspended.
The case emerged after the pair filmed their actions and posted the footage on Vadim’s Instagram account. Oman’s Public Prosecution urged visitors to comply with laws protecting wildlife and nature reserves and to use social media responsibly.