Are Somali Pirates Getting Away With Piracy?

How Justice Works In Pirates' Favour -- Sydney Morning Herald

Europe's first piracy trial in modern times has just concluded in the Netherlands, with five Somalis convicted of the 17th-century charge of ''sea robbery''. Among those taking a close interest is Colin Freeman, who spent six weeks as a hostage after being kidnapped while reporting from Somalia's ''pirate coast''. But, as he reveals here from Rotterdam, the days when pirates could face summary justice are over.

Of the 15-strong gang who held me prisoner in a cave in Somalia, a tough, skinny lad named Fraisal is the one I remember best. He always made sure I had enough tea and cigarettes, could cook a half-edible goat stew on the campfire, and, when not issuing death threats, would tell me tales of how he came to choose piracy as a career.

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Update: Finally, a way to put pirates on trial -- Foreign Policy

My Comment:The Foreign Policy article gives a glimmer of hope that trials and punishment can be meted out to these pirates without burdening Europe's (or America's) legal system.