9 Somali suspects in attacks on 2 US Navy ships plead not guilty to US piracy charges

9 Somali suspects plead not guilty in US court

NORFOLK, Va. — Nine Somali men accused of attacking two U.S. Navy ships off Africa have pleaded not guilty to piracy and weapons charges.

They entered their pleas Friday before U.S. Magistrate Judge J. Bradford Stillman in Virginia.

Their trials are scheduled for July 6.

Eleven Somali men have been indicted on U.S. charges. One pleaded not guilty Wednesday and another is scheduled to be arraigned next week. All face mandatory life sentences if convicted.

The nine men were scheduled to enter pleas on Wednesday, but attorneys representing them said they needed more time to explain the government’s accusations with an interpreter present. Some said they had spent only 30 minutes with their client and were not confident they understood U.S. court procedures.

THIS IS A BREAKING NEWS UPDATE. Check back soon for further information. AP’s earlier story is below.

NORFOLK, Va. (AP) — A group of Somali nationals accused of pirate attacks on two U.S. Navy ships off Africa are due in a Virginia courtroom to enter pleas to the charges.

Arraignments are scheduled Friday before a U.S. magistrate judge in Norfolk for nine of 11 defendants. One entered a not guilty plea on Wednesday. Another is expected to plead next week.

Attorneys representing the remaining defendants complained at Wednesday’s hearing that they needed more time to explain the government’s accusations with a Somali interpreter present. Some said they had spent only 30 minutes with their clients and were not confident they understood U.S. court procedures.

None of the defendants speak English. All face mandatory life terms, if convicted.