Arrested pirates to face trial in Kenya
Seven pirates arrested off the coast of Somalia by a Swedish naval unit on Tuesday are likely to be taken to Kenya to face trial.
"Evidence from the HMS Malmö has proved decisive in the evaluation that they may be transferred to Kenya," said the Swedish unit's lawyer, Johan Henningsson, quoted on the Swedish Armed Forces' website.
"Images and video recordings, witness testimonies from both the vessel that came under attack and the crew of the corvette, the actions of the suspects in connection with their arrest and objects found on the fishing boat when it was boarded all contributed to view of [the EU's mission command] EUNAVFOR that there is strong enough evidence to bring them to justice in Kenya for piracy."
Henningsson added that Swedish personnel would accompany the suspects to Kenya before handing them over to the authorities in the East African country.
"Certain crew members from the HMS Malmö will also be called to the trial as witnesses," said Henningsson.
The pirates were apprehended by staff from the HMS Malmö in the early hours of Tuesday morning as they attempted to board a Greek cargo vessel in the Gulf of Aden halfway between Yemen and Somalia.
Comments
See Also
"Evidence from the HMS Malmö has proved decisive in the evaluation that they may be transferred to Kenya," said the Swedish unit's lawyer, Johan Henningsson, quoted on the Swedish Armed Forces' website.
"Images and video recordings, witness testimonies from both the vessel that came under attack and the crew of the corvette, the actions of the suspects in connection with their arrest and objects found on the fishing boat when it was boarded all contributed to view of [the EU's mission command] EUNAVFOR that there is strong enough evidence to bring them to justice in Kenya for piracy."
Henningsson added that Swedish personnel would accompany the suspects to Kenya before handing them over to the authorities in the East African country.
"Certain crew members from the HMS Malmö will also be called to the trial as witnesses," said Henningsson.
The pirates were apprehended by staff from the HMS Malmö in the early hours of Tuesday morning as they attempted to board a Greek cargo vessel in the Gulf of Aden halfway between Yemen and Somalia.
Join the conversation in our comments section below. Share your own views and experience and if you have a question or suggestion for our journalists then email us at [email protected].
Please keep comments civil, constructive and on topic – and make sure to read our terms of use before getting involved.
Please log in here to leave a comment.