Prosecutor: Defense Department pushed for US prosecution of Somali pirates

Prosecutor: Navy ‘victim’ in pirate attacks

NORFOLK, Va. — Prosecutors say the Defense Department pushed for the prosecution of 11 Somalians charged with piracy in Virginia.

U.S. Attorney Neil H. MacBride said Friday the Navy was the victim in two separate attacks on Virginia-based ships, and the military felt strongly about prosecuting the suspects in U.S. court.

MacBride spoke less than an hour after the suspects appeared in U.S. District Court in Norfolk on piracy and other charges. A piracy conviction carries a mandatory life term.

Two of the defendants had injuries that MacBride says they suffered in an exchange with one of the Navy ships.

The men did not enter pleas. A hearing is scheduled for next week.