Update
17 th April 2006
At this time Karl and Dimitri are still in Lavrentiya. As a good number of you will know. the result of the court case was a disaster, especially for Karl. Both K & D are to be fined 2000 roubles ($72 / £41) and deported from Russia. It was stated that they would be given leave to apply for re-entry in five years’ time. I received a telephone call this morning, (17th April), from Karl stating that they will lodge an appeal on Wednesday. Two weeks after that they have to move down to Anadyr, the provincial capital, as this is where the case will be heard. There is a good chance that will take place within a month of the appeal being lodged.
Dimitri will launch an appeal as he wishes to return to Uelen in March 2007 to ski / make his way on foot to Magadan, some 2,500 kms / 1550 miles to the south. From there he wishes to take a cycle westwards.
Karl states that life’s a bit of a roller-coaster at the moment with one day seeming quite positive and the following negative and full of confusion. Consequently, he’s decided to take it just one day at a time, but remains resolute that one day he will walk back onto English soil.
9 Comments so far
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Common sense WILL prevail. The local adjudicator had to be seen to be doing the ‘right thing’ - the scale of fine shows it’s nothing to do with inflicting penalties. The court of appeal will more aware that the whole of humanity is watching him. I’m confident that he’ll not only cancel the deportation for Karl - he’ll hint at an apology and will have been given authority to lift barriers.
I reckon the Columbians were unsavoury (polite)!
- I think the Ruskies are just, understandably, unreasonable.
Their locals didn’t send men into space - their government did - and that’s the level from which recognition and salutes will come from.
Karl - this will all be a bad memory soon - and well behind you!
- - Always watching the horizons in Hull for you! - -
I hope things go well but I’m kinda confused. karl wants to ski / cycle across Russia?
That’s horrible news! Do you have any contact info for local newspapers in russia or the judge or politicians who we can write to plead his case? Let the power of the internet fix this!
Steve: I think you’re right. The Ruskies need to “show” the world their borders are not be messed with (and they have every right to do so), but I think in the end, reason will prevail and Karl will be given permission to continue his quest. As for Dimitri and I’m not sure he will get the same treatment. BTW, Jon, it’s Dimitri who wants to Ski/cycle across Russia.
Perhaps get in contact with Mike Horn. [ http://www.mikehornnorthpole.com/ ] He certianley has experience dealing with the Russians. Maybe he can offer support/advice/contacts. Good luck and I hope you are able to continue with your journey.
Here’s the e-mail: mike.horn@bluewin.ch
Cheers,
Brad V.
Seattle, WA
Dear Goliath, this is David! Like most others visiting your site I hope that those stupid Russians soon realize that international fame and corporate sponsorship are above the law and let you do whatever you need to accomplish your jiant steps (for men and for mankind). The world will really be better off if you get to complete this very important mission. It will also teach a good lesson to those silly frozen Eskimos to throw their primitive harpoons in the sea and get a contract with Time Warner, so that they too can travel freely between the Russian and US coasts to see their relatives and friends.
Let me know if you need help coming up with $72 to pay the fine!
Siberian Yupik Natives from both Russia and America can travel freely across the borders to visit. They are allowed to do so without a visa.
Siberian Yupik Natives still have to get official invitations, obtain border passes, and get authorizations for visa-free entry. The procedure still takes several months. They just don’t have to pay for the visas, that’s the only difference. They would go to jail for doing what Karl did, even though this is their land.
my father told me about your adventure a few years ago so now i am on line at last to congratulate you on your efforts so far. i am quite an adventerous bloke myself , i once thumbed around Europe and took off one cold dark foggy Febuary morning with £70 and ended working in Gib for a few months before flying home. what you are doing just blew me away, you have balls bigger than bergs i admire your resolve,strength,determination and true British grit.
i wish you success in all that you do, your round the corner now on that long home strait so keep safe go canny and keep flying that great great british flag. good luck.