7 pirates arrested by the Spanish navy sentenced to five in prison in Kenya

(BRUSSELS2) (updated) Seven pirates arrested, in May 2009, by the supply ship of the Spanish fleet “Marks of the Ensenada” after the attack on a ship flying the Maltese flag (MV Anny Petrakis) have just been sentenced in Kenya to five years in prison. Magistrate Hon Ole Tanchu who presided over the Mombasa Criminal Court delivered the verdict on September 23. the Marks of the Ensenada participated in the EU anti-piracy operation (EUNAVFOR Atalanta).

This is the third conviction pronounced in this country: a first judgment was made public, in May 2009, for pirates arrested by the American Navy (7 years in prison) and at the beginning of September 2010 for pirates arrested after the attack on the German military ship FGS Spessart (read: 7 pirates arrested by Eunavfor sentenced in Kenya). EUNAVFOR legal advisers expect an acceleration of the procedures in October and number. 7 other files should be the subject of hearings and another judgment is awaited. According to the agreement signed between the EU and Kenya, only a prison sentence can be pronounced, the death penalty not being applicable.

(Nicolas Gros-Verheyde)