Mordusian Naval Vessel Seized by the Kingdom of Gaduridos and Fotheringhay!Prime Minister William Tvarivich (ARP) at gathering in RechtenburgThe Mordus Daily has confirmed reports that the navy of the Kingdom of Gaduridos and Fortheringhay has indeed seized the HMS Grace, claiming the Global Emancipation Treaty as binding legal precedent for their actions. The Prime Minister is set to speak on this issue.
In the Imperial Dominion of Mordusia, Slavery, as defined by the Global Emancipation Treaty, is only granted to the government for those who have committed the highest crimes. These are currently set as the rape of a minor, murder of multiple victims, and acts of terrorism.
We go now live to Prime Minister William Tvarivich's Press Conference.
Citizens of Mordusia,
I come to you this evening to react to the act of aggression shown to us today by the military of Gaduridos and Fotheringhay's Imperial East Terra Company, who are acting under an obligation they perceive under the Global Emancipation Treaty. Let me make this point very clear, Mordusia does not nor will it ever participate in the slave trade. We do not enslave the innocent. We do not enslave anyone based on their economic status, race, ethnicity, or other factors.
This act undermines the very concept of national sovereignty, and I ask that our vessel and all aboard be returned immediately to the Imperial Dominion. Our forces and weapons are mobilized and prepared to get our captured naval soldiers who are currently imprisoned by their captors.
The leaders of Gaduridos and Fotheringhay have obviously over-stepped the bounds of this treaty to attempt to attack Mordusia. They should know that those aboard the ship would be executed in several countries around the globe, and we see this a more fitting way for those who have committed the ultimate crimes to pay penance to Almighty God and the righteous leaders he has empowered with the sword of justice.
Regardless, it is the sovereign right of Mordusia to choose to do as it pleases. Chief Factor Barnes, you are holding our troops in your custody, which is an act of war. You have stolen our vessel full of able-bodied laborers who were journeying to serve in our colonies to help those people with essential project. I would further like to remind the Chief Factor of the Union Mordusia holds with Luthori and Alduria, his actions do not just affect his relations with one country.
Chief Factor Barnes, you have 12 hours to return our troops* lest we take further action on this matter. Our naval fleet is prepared to do all it takes to return the HMS Grace and all who were onboard back to their country. We pray for their safe return and wisdom on your part. We are not selling or owning man for profit, as you seem to have characterized the situation. We are requiring that those who have forfeited the right to their lives are paying penance for their crimes in a tangible way to those they have harmed. Your Kingdom applies the death penalty to capital crimes, and we see this as no different.
The Imperial Dominion of Mordusia will not be pushed around by rogue nations. May God bless Mordusia!OOC: *We'll keep the 12 hours as actual time. This will occur in August 2874 at this moment.