Spain plans fast=track trial for ‘pirates’

Two men suspected of being part of a gang which hijacked a Spanish fishing boat off Somalia could be tried in Spain within days. The pair were arrested by a Spanish naval vessel soon after the Alakrana and her crew were pirated in the Indian Ocean on October 2nd. Judicial sources in Madrid say the pair face 36 charges of kidnapping and one of armed robbery.

“The Prosecutor is carrying out the investigation according to the law, said Prosecutor General Candido Conde Pumpido. “The plan is to speed up the process to begin the case as soon as possible, but always with respect to the law.”

The Alakrana is still held by the pirates in Somalia. They’ve demanded the two suspects be freed before they’ll consider releasing her and her crew, even if a ransom is paid.

It’s becoming a huge headache for Madrid. Families of the hijacked crew say the negotiations have been mishandled, and fear they may be harmed.
There are rumours of a deal to release the suspects in return for the Alakrana and her crew, but the government simply says all options are being considered.

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tags: Piracy, Somali pirates