US/Somalia/Piracy

Teenage pirate will be tried as adult

Article published on the 2009-04-22 Latest update 2009-04-22 13:35 TU

Adbi Wali Adbi Khadir Muse, accused of hijacking the Maersk Alabama being taken to court on 20 April 2009
(Photo: Reuters)

A Somali teenager allegedly involved in the kidnapping of Captain Richard Phillips of the US container ship, the Maersk Alabama will be tried as an adult, a New York court announced on Tuesday.

Judge Andrew Peck decided that the Somali would be tried as an adult despite claims from his family that he is only 15-years-old.

Adbi Wali Adbi Khadir Muse, the only pirate not shot dead in the rescue of Captain Richard Phillips, appeared in court wearing a blue T-shirt.

He faces a life sentence if convicted on charges of piracy under the law of nations, conspiracy to seize a ship by force, conspiracy to take hostages and using a firearm during the course of hostage taking.

But some reports have indicated that his father claims he is only 15 years old, having been born on 20 November 1993, while US authorities have put his age at 19.

His age could become a major issue in the case against him. Being tried as an adult makes it easier for federal prosecutors, as a juvenile he would be tried more leniently. But the US could be subject to criticism if he is in fact a minor.

The Somali Justice Advocacy Centre is helping to advise Muse, and  pushing for full dental checks to be carried out to ascertain his age.

Muse, who arrived in New York on Monday, was the first pirate on board the Alabama, according to prosecutors. They said he shot at the skipper and stole cash from a safe on board.

As the first trial of a pirate in the US in more than a century got under way, a chemical tanker held by pirates for five months was released on Tuesday.

The MT Stolt Strength was freed, with its crew of 23 Filipinos all reported to be safe. It is not clear whether a ransom was paid.

Meanwhile, French forces transferred 11 suspected pirates to Mombasa on Wednesday. The pirates, who were captured during a chase in the Indian ocean, are expected to be charged with the attempted hijacking of the Safmarine Asia vessel.