Seychelles Sentences 11 Somali Pirates To 10 years In Prison

Eleven Somali pirates have been sentenced to a decade in prison in the Seychelles for attempting to hijack a coast guard boat last December.

Eight accused were sentenced for committing an act of piracy and three others for aiding and abetting an act of piracy. The sentences mark the first time Seychelles has prosecuted and convicted pirates.

Another 29 suspected and accused Somali pirates are still pending trial in the Seychelles or awaiting transfer to Somalia.

In June, the United Nations built a new court for pirates in Kenya with contributions from Australia, Canada, the European Union, Germany and the United States.

Kenya has 123 prisoners in custody. Eighteen pirates have been tried and convicted.