Nine Convicted Somali Pirates Transferred to Puntland
NINE CONVICTED Somali pirates were repatriated back to Puntland yesterday to serve out the remainder of their sentences in Garowe prison, the state’s capital.
A special chartered flight operated by the Islands Development Company (IDC) transported the nine Somalis from the custody of the Seychelles Prison Services into the custody of officials from the UNODC (United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime) who have organised the transfers and repatriation back to the Puntland State of Somalia.
Marcus Labrosse was the pilot in command of the 18-seater and the co-pilot on the three-hour flight was Juan Hibonne. Three Seychellois security officers were also on the flight in accordance with the International Civil Aviation Organisation regulations.
The Somali prisoners were issued emergency passports for the transfer and all other documents regarding their sentencing – the time served and the time remaining to be served – have been handed over to the Puntland authorities.
Yesterday’s successful transfer flight was the second inside a week after nine other Somali pirates were flown to Puntland on Thursday March 27.
Following this latest transfer, there remains 14 Somali prisoners who have been convicted of piracy and 23 on remand who are still here in Seychelles.
Altogether, Seychelles has repatriated 87 convicted Somali pirates to Somaliland and Puntland.
The newly built Garowe Prison in Puntland is a 500-bed prison constructed by the UNODC and it meets international standards and has acceptable conditions.
Speaking to Seychelles Nation, UNODC programme officer Shanaka Jayasekara said when the pirates agree to be transferred to Somalia they abandon their right to appeal.
He noted that before the pirates take the final decision to be transferred back home, a lawyer is flown from Puntland to Seychelles to counsel them and the same is done by another lawyer here.
“It is a voluntary decision and some have preferred to stay in Seychelles and serve their time here, while others have decided to appeal their sentences,” said Mr Jayasekara.
As they left yesterday, the convicted pirates were seen carrying their notebooks and English manuals which Mr Jayasekara has said they have asked and have been allowed to bring with them as they started learning English while here in prison.
“Some pirates wanted to know if they would continue to learn English when they are in Puntland and the Puntland government has confirmed with the UNODC that they will be able to do so,” said Mr Jayasekara.
He added that working with the Seychelles authorities on piracy issues is a “well-oiled process” and noted that “not because Seychelles has agreed to accept pirates for prosecution should the burden of incarceration fall on the country”.
Mr Jayasekara explained that the pirates will now be closer to their families who will be able to visit them compared to the once-a-month 10-minute phone call they were allowed to make when they were in Seychelles.
Original source: Seychelles Nation
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