The relations between Sealand and Republicanland, both States under international law, became increasingly strained after a group of University students from Sealand stormed the offices of the Republicanland’s embassy in Sealand, destroyed many official and highly confidential documents and caused extensive damage to the property and the embassy’s premises. The students were taking part in a demonstration opposing Republicanland’s imposed economic sanctions against Sealand.
Republicanland reacted angrily to the events and issued a statement condemning the government of Sealand for violating international law. In addition, Republicanland announced that it would no longer cooperate in fishing and commercial matters as provided under the 1956 Fishing and Commercial Agreement between Republicanland and Sealand. Sealand on its part issued a statement arguing that it could not be held responsible for the acts of private individuals under international law, and that Republicanland’s refusal to comply with the 1956 Fishing and Commercial Agreement was itself a violation of international law.
A few days later it emerged that the secret intelligence services of Sealand had, prior to the demonstration, received information about an eminent intrusion in Republicanland’s embassy but no action was taken by the authorities in response to this intelligence.
Discuss Sealand’s and Republicanland’s actions in the light of the law on state responsibility.
