Somali ‘Pirate’ to be Tried in U.S.
17 Apr 09 | BBC
A Somali teenager captured by the US navy during a confrontation with pirates is to be taken to the US to face trial, US officials have said.
The man, named as Abdul Wali Muse, was allegedly involved in the attempt to seize the Maersk Alabama merchant ship off Somalia last week.
His three companions were killed by US navy snipers in the operation to rescue the Alabama’s kidnapped US captain.
Capt Richard Phillips is now returning to the US from Kenya after his ordeal.
US officials say Mr Muse will be tried in a federal court in New York, American media have reported.
There is some confusion about his age, however, and whether he can be tried as an adult in the US.
No charges have been filed, but acts of piracy can carry a sentence of life in prison, says the BBC’s Jonathan Beale in Washington. >>>
THE BLOG:
- Somalia Piracy Began in Response to Illegal Fishing and Toxic Dumping by Western Ships off Somali Coast (17 Apr 09)
- Somalian Pirates and Government Thieves (16 Apr 09)
- Somali Pirates (15 Apr 09)
- Pirates! (27 Jan 09)
