Tag: civilians

With the US, UK and EU actively supporting the political rightwing and far-right as a policy decision in this power bloc’s opposition to any and all Workers’ Movements anywhere in the world – the idea that the Soviet sinking of the MV Wilhelm Gustloff was a ‘War Crime’ still carries significant persuasive force that even permeates Western classrooms (including those of ‘modern’ Russia) and is a common idea held throughout society. Alexander Marinesko did not commit a ‘War Crime’ or a ‘Crime Against Humanity’ because from the point of view of International Maritime Law, the ship was a legitimate target for the following reasons: 

a) The ship was fitted with artillery (including anti-aircraft guns). 

b) The ship was escorted by armed warships. 

c) The ship and was painted in gray ‘camouflage’ colours to assist in its combat missions. 

d) The ship was not Registered with the Red Cross. 

e) The ship was carrying active military personnel. 

f) The ship was travelling through a declared combat zone at the time of sinking. 

g) The ship sailed under the (military) flag of the Reichskriegsmarine.