Five Somali pirates go on trial in Korea

Five Somali pirates involved in the hijack of the Samho Jewelry in January this year have gone on trial in South Korea, Seatrade Asia online reports. The trial in Busan opened on Monday with the four pirates charged with attempted murder, kidnapping and maritime robbery, a fifth pirate has already pled guilty. According to local reports one of the pirates Araye Mahomed, faces a possible death penalty for shooting the vessel’s master, Seok Hae-kyun, who remains in hospital. Mahomed has denied shooting the vessel’s captain. The remaining four pirates could face life imprisonment.