Australian diplomats say they are still trying to confirm reports Russia has downgraded charges against a group of Greenpeace activists, including a Tasmanian man.
Russian authorities seized Greenpeace vessel Arctic Sunrise last month, charging all 30 on board with piracy after protests against oil company Gazprom's platform in the Pechora Sea.
It's now been reported those charges, which carry a maximum 15 years' jail, have been reduced to hooliganism, which carries a maximum seven years in jail.
The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) is looking into the reports.
"We are seeking official confirmation from Russian authorities that the Australian citizen Colin Russell, and the other Greenpeace activists from the Arctic Sunrise, will now be charged with 'hooliganism' not piracy as was originally the case," a DFAT spokesman said.
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He said Mr Russell remained in detention, although not solitary confinement, in Murmansk while Russian authorities continue their investigation.
The DFAT spokesman said officials from the Australian Embassy in Moscow were providing consular assistance to Mr Russell, visiting him three times since late September to check on his welfare and ensure detention conditions are adequate.
DFAT officials have also been in contact with his family in Australia.
Mr Russell is being represented by a Greenpeace-appointed lawyer and has access to an interpreter.
"We are in ongoing dialogue with other affected governments in co-ordinating contact with Russian authorities," the spokesman said.
Australian permanent resident Alexandra Harris is also among the detained activists.
Russian authorities charged members of the band Pussy Riot punk band with hooliganism after their peaceful protest against President Vladimir Putin in a Moscow church.
Three band members were sentenced to two years in a penal colony.
