15 suspects prosecuted in Seychelles. Possible transfer to Somaliland of convicts

(BRUSSELS2) The Seychelles finally accepted, on March 6, the transfer of 15 suspects handed over by the American Navy. They were arrested on January 5 by the USS Kidd during the release of Iranian sailors in the Arabian Sea, an event well publicized by the US Navy. They had since been kept on board the ship.

A gesture which comes after the commitment of Hillary Clinton, the US Secretary of State, to continue to strengthen the capacity of Seychelles to fight against piracy. According to the Seychelles presidency, the 92 Somali pirates in detention represent approximately 20% of the total capacity of the Montagne Posée prison, which represents "a significant burden on the prison system and limits the capacity of Seychelles to incarcerate other Somali pirates". But by this gesture, he means “send a clear signal to the international community that it will continue to fight piracy and bring pirates to justice ". The hope of the island is to be able to transfer the convicted pirates to Somalia. A first transfer of 19 pirates is planned for Somaliland in the coming days, but not yet confirmed in Port-Victoria, the capital of the Seychelles. Two Seychellois sailors are still hostages of Somali pirates. Negotiations are underway. But according to Home Secretary Joel Morgan, the kidnappers' demands are " unreasonable and impossible to satisfy. Progress is very slow. »

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