Sealand

The Principality of Sealand is a self-declared independent principality? built on [Roughs Tower]?, an abandoned WWII offshore fortress in the North Sea six miles off the coast of Suffolk, England. It is a unique political entity, for although as of yet no nation officially fully recognizes Sealand as an independent state, in interactions with Sealand, several countries, courts, and organizations have treated Sealand with recognition equivalent to any other state, and in no cases have any other countries or organizations asserted authority over Sealand.

Roughs Tower, constructed in 1942 and inhabited by 150-300 Royal Navy personnel, had been deserted since the end of World War II. On September 2, 1967, the fort was occupied by [Paddy Roy Bates]?, a citizen of England and [pirate radio]? broadcaster, who claimed it as his own. At that time, Great Britain claimed territorial waters of three nautical miles from its coast. Thus, Roughs Tower was in international waters, outside the jurisdiction of any country. After consulting with several laywers, Bates declared the fort to be an independent state, named it Sealand, and made himself and his wife, [Joan Bates]?, its sovereign rulers -- [Prince Roy]? and [Princess Joan]?. Great Britain has never formally recognized Sealand's independence, but as affirmed by several decisions by British courts and government agencies, Sealand enjoys a de facto sovereignty.

In 1968, the British navy attempted to evict the new inhabitants of Roughs Tower. Prince Roy responded by firing several shots at the vessels, and was brought before a British court. The court delivered its decision on November 25, 1968: since the incident happened outside of British territory, it was outside of the court's jurisdiction.

In 1978, while Prince Roy was away, a German man and several Dutch citizens forcibly took over Sealand and held Prince Roy's son, Michael, captive, releasing Michael several days later in Holland. Prince Roy enlisted some well-armed help and, in a helicopter assault, retook the fortress, holding the invaders as "[prisoners of war]?". The governments of the Netherlands and Germany petitioned the British government for their release, but the United Kingdom disavowed all responsibility, citing the 1968 court decision. Germany then actually sent a diplomat to Sealand to negotiate for their citizen's release. Prince Roy released his prisoners, and claimed de facto recognition of Sealand from Germany.

Sealand has a constitution, a flag, and a national anthem, and issues [postage stamps]?, currency, and passports. Sealand conducts international trade, is self-governing, and has a permanent and growing population with a unique culture. The United Kingdom asserts no claim over the territory, and generally treats Sealand as if it were an independent state.

Roy's son Michael entered into a partnership with Ryan Lackey, founder of HavenCo, to use Sealand as an electronic [data haven]?, offering secure colocation?. HavenCo has been running services from Sealand since May 2000.

External Links:

• http://www.havenco.com/ -- HavenCo Ltd.
• http://www.sealandgov.org/ -- The Official Principality of Sealand Homepage

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