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US sends suspected pirates to Seychelles for trial
(Sh.M.Network)-- US armed forces have handed over 15 suspected Somali pirates, captured during a rescue operation to free Iranian fishermen in the Arabian Sea, for trial in the Seychelles, officials said Wednesday.

The Indian Ocean archipelago agreed to accept the suspected pirates with the men handed over 'last night at the airport,' said Seychelles presidential spokeswoman Srdjana Janosevic.

The men were captured in January after the US navy saved 13 Iranian fishermen held hostage for weeks in the Arabian Sea, a rescue welcomed by Tehran amid heightened tensions with Washington.

'Seychelles has today the highest percentage of Somali pirates in detention anywhere, amounting to 20 percent of its total prison capacity, which represents a huge burden on the prison system,' a government statement Tuesday read.

'However,
some men learn by reading. A few learn by observation. The rest have to pee on the electric fence for themselves...
by accepting an additional 15 pirate suspects, Seychelles wishes to send a clear signal to the international community that it will continue to do its utmost in the fight against piracy,' the statement added.

The Seychelles 'will not permit their (pirates) villainous acts to continue to be perpetuated with impunity,' Minister of Home Affairs Joel Morgan added.

US State Department spokeswoman Victoria Nuland thanked the Seychelles, praising its role in supporting anti-piracy efforts.
Posted by: Fred 2012-03-26
http://www.rantburg.com/poparticle.php?ID=341628