119 Somali pirates plead guilty; 50 of them face death sentence

Visits: 19040
(Rating 5.0/5 Stars) Total Votes: 1
0 0
Share via Social Media

119 Somali pirates plead guilty; 50 of them face death sentence

MUMBAI: In a major turn of events, the 119 Somali pirates nabbed in four operations by the Coast Guard and Navy off Lakshadweep in 2011-12, have pleaded guilty to offences against them. Special public prosecutor Renjeet Sangle will file a reply next

Share

MUMBAI: In a major turn of events, the 119 Somali pirates nabbed in four operations by the Coast Guard and Navy off Lakshadweep in 2011-12, have pleaded guilty to offences against them. Special public prosecutor Renjeet Sangle will file a reply next week. The accused said their previous plea of not guilty may be disregarded. This comes at the fag end of the trial that commenced in late 2012 with 70 witnesses deposing and difficulties caused by the absence of several foreign national witnesses. About 50 pirates, booked for murder, could face the death sentence, which is maximum punishment under the section. All accused have also been booked under sections of the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act (UAPA). The maximum sentence under those sections is life imprisonment.

Applications were filed on behalf of the Embassy of the Federal Republic of Somalia seeking permission to submit the voluntary plea of guilty of the accused, recognised as Somali nationals. One of the pleas by an accused, Abusher Hussain, stated, "I hereby voluntarily and unconditionally plead guilty to all offences charges against me..." The plea further read, "...am perfectly aware of and have been made to understand the consequences if this plea being recorded against me and am ready and willing to face such consequences in the nature of conviction which may be sentence or imprisonment for life time or fine or both. I declare that I have not been made any promise, or any inducement nor coercion nor I am under any duress or pressure to enter this plea, which I make hereby with utmost conscience having realised my guilt."

Last year, one of the alleged pirates died from natural causes at JJ Hospital. Abdi Chama, 28, was suffering from tuberculosis and other lung-related ailments. The Coast Guard and Navy had handed over the 120 pirates to the Yellow Gate police. The 119 pirates have been booked on charges of attempt to murder.

"The law of criminal procedure is absolutely clear. No deviation from law is permissible once the stage has gone. This is a frustrated attempt by the international criminals to seek a liberal sentence from the honourable court. We will give an appropriate reply to the plea applications. The government has a watertight case and convictions will be secured based on impeccable evidence. India will honour its obligation under the UN Convention of the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS)," Sangle said.

Source : http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/mumbai/119-Somali-pirates-plead-guilty-50-of-them-face-death-sentence/articleshow/54489380.cms

Share on Social Media

Related Items

Villa Somalia and Jubaland now teeter on the edge of full-blown war

Somalia's President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud and Jubaland leader Ahmed Madobe, previously allies in the nation's political landscape, now find themselves on the brink of war after a divisive National Consultative Council meeting revealed profound rifts, prompting both sides to mobilize for a possible showdown. Full Article

The killer,the kidnapper of Somalia, entered in the US as a migrant

In July 2009, Mahad Ibrahim Hamarow kidnapped French officers Denis Allex and another officer who escaped from the Sahafi Hotel in Mogadishu and then joined Al Shabaab. In the same year, he fled to Kenya, this was confirmed by Hizbul Islam Spokesman Mr Aydarus. - In 2010, Mahad Hamarow went to South Africa for migration, that's how we found out in the investigation, we were also told by Mohamed Isse and his brother Somaney who lives in Johannesburg South Africa. Full Article

Somalia's leader mourns death of Namibia president

Waagacusub.net - Somalia's President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud on Sunday mourned the death of Namibia President Hage G. Geingob and sent condolences to the government of the African country. Full Article

Somalia's ex-president warns of risk of 'political crisis' over plans to overhaul constitution

Waagacusub.net - Somalia's former President Mohamed Abdullahi Farmajo on Monday warned of the risk of political crisis over plans by the incumbent President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud to overhaul the constitution. Full Article

Egyptian President says will protect Somalia against anz threat

Waagacusub.net - Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sissi said his country will protect Somalia against any threat in what can be described as an indirect response to recent Ethiopia's move to access the seaport of Somaliland. Full Article

Egypt Condemns Suicide Bomber Attack in Somalia

Egypt on Tuesday condemned a suicide bomber attack in Somalia that killed at least 20 soldiers. The attack took place at a training camp in the Somali capital, Mogadishu, on Monday. The al-Shabab terrorist group claimed responsibility. Full Article

Somalia:War to Defeat Al Shabab Militarily

President HSM's Proclamation to Defeat Al-Shabab by Force in Somalia To overcome the complex problems of civil war, state fragility, and underdevelopment, the Somali people supported risky political changes for a government that promotes freedom, justice, peace, and prosperity in Somalia. For example, the Islamic movements enjoyed popular support to end the brutal reigns of warlords and the military occupation of Ethiopia and establish new government. Full Article

It secretly and unlawfully recruited about 7,500 young Somalis sent to Eritrea

Western Intelligence Agencies Oppose the Democratization of Somalia Intelligence Services (NISA) History documents the strong character of the Somali people associated with messy democratic rule that cherishes individual liberty, freedom of expression and opinion, Justice, and private entrepreneurship rather than with autocratic rule. British explorer, Sir Richard Burton wrote in 1856, "the Somalis are fierce race of republicans, constantly changing political loyalties – the Somalis lived in what amounted to a state of chronic, political schizophrenia, verging on of anarchy. Every freeborn man holds equal to his ruler and allows no loyalties or prerogatives to abridge his birthright of liberty." However, Somalis are docile to discipline and obedience if social mediation applied fairly. The appropriate model of government for Somalia is the democratic rule. Full Article

Somalia:$17 million external support has not been channeled through the country's single treasury account

Waagacusub.net -Auditor General Mohamed Ali alias Afgoi has exposed missing millions of dollars from key departments within the Federal Government of Somalia [FGS], in what could raise questions about government expenditures. In his report, Afgoi said 25 entities and three embassies have been audited. Unsupported expenditure amounts to $9M; contracts worth $31M not registered with auditor general's office, the existence of unauthorized bank accounts outside the Treasury Single Account. Full Article

Al-qaida Share ,IBS bank Somalia launches Visa Card Payment

Waagacusub.net - IBS Bank Somalia, which is believed to have the largest amount of money, Al-Qaeda Finance Secretary Fazul Abdallah from Comoros has started issuing Visa Card Payments for the first time. Al-Shabaab's finance secretary confirmed that Mohamed Ali Warsame had $ 157 million in cash, according to Khalif Ereg, who was later bribed with $ 2 million. Full Article