The nine applicants are the crew-members of a cargo vessel ‘The Winner’ which was registered in Cambodia. In 2002 French authorities has requested authorisation from Cambodian authorities to intercept the vessel, and have received authorisation. The cargo vessel was apprehended in international waters by French Navy on suspicion on carrying large quantities of narcotic drugs and was diverted to Brest harbour (France). The applicants were confined on the vessel until they have arrived to Brest, which took 13 days. Upon their arrival they were brought before court. Subsequently, three of the crew-members were found guilty on attempt to import drugs and were sentenced to imprisonment ranging from three to twenty years. Applicants complain that they were deprived of liberty unlawfully, and that the length of their pre-trial detention on the vessel was excessive. They rely on the right to liberty and security.
