Somali Pirates Sentenced to Life in Prison for Murder of Four Americans

To bring justice for the murder of four abducted American citizens aboard the yacht QUEST off the coast of East Africa, the Federal District Court of Virginia sentenced the Somali pirates for life for their involvement of the crime.

Reports say Somali Ahmed Muse Salad,” 25; Abukar Osman Beyle, 20; and Shani Nurani Shiekh Abrar, 29, were found guilty by jury of all 26 counts charged, including piracy, conspiracy to commit kidnapping, hostage taking resulting in death, kidnapping resulting in death.

The abducted American citizens who were killed in February 2011 incident were Adam, Jean Adam, Phyllis Macay, and Robert Riggle.

The Somali pirates will serve life sentences in prison and will join over 1,000 pirates operating in the region that have been brought to justice in 20 countries around the world in recent years.

pira
Armed pirates in the Indian Ocean near Somalia. After the picture was taken, the vessel’s crew members opened fire on U.S. Navy ships and the ship’s crew members returned fire. One suspected pirate was killed and 12 were taken into custody (see engaged pirate vessels).

In a press statement by US Spokesperson Jen Psaki, the Department of State welcomes August 2 sentencing of three Somali pirates.

She reports that a federal jury in Norfolk, Virginia convicted the three Somali pirates on 26 counts, including piracy, conspiracy to commit kidnapping, hostage taking resulting in death, kidnapping resulting in death, and multiple firearms offenses.

She adds that eleven of the other pirates who attacked the QUEST previously pleaded guilty in federal court in 2011 and were also sentenced to life in prison.

In addition, the onshore negotiator working for the pirates was also convicted and received multiple life sentences as well.

The US government also recognizes the outstanding work of the FBI and the Naval Criminal Investigative Service, as well as the United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia.

US on the mission to combat piracy globally

According to Ms. Psaki, although piracy remains a threat, the progress that has been made is significant.

She says the United States has joined with more than 80 countries, international organizations and industry groups to make significant progress against piracy through the Contact Group on Piracy off the Coast of Somalia.

The unique international partnership was launched in 2009 pursuant to UN Security Council Resolution 1851, is contributing to a significant decline in piracy off the Horn of Africa.

“The last successful pirate attack on a merchant vessel in the region occurred on May 10, 2012.” – Ms. Psaki

For the meantime, Somali pirates hold hostage one ship and approximately 60 mariners and that is a more than 90 percent reduction in hostages held by pirates since January 2011.

The US governmenr extends its condolences to the families whose lives have been forever changed by this tragedy, and will honor their memories by continued commitment to building robust diplomatic partnerships to promote maritime security worldwide.

US outlines pproaches to tackling piracy off the coast of Somalia

The Obama administration developed and pursued an integrated multi-dimensional approach to combat piracy.

The overriding objective of which was to make sure that piracy didn’t pay.

Piracy is based on the potential to make money by preying on the vast supply of ships that pass through the waters off Somalia.

The pirates today can no longer find helpless victims like they could in the past and pirates operating at sea now often operate at a loss.

International and an inter-agency effort is vital to tackle the piracy

First, the United States has helped lead the international response and galvanize international action.

All countries connected to the global economy have an interest in addressing piracy.

Contact Group on Piracy off the Coast of Somalia

In January 2009, the United States helped establish the Contact Group on Piracy off the Coast of Somalia, which now includes over 80 nations and international, and industry organizations bound together on an ad hoc and purely voluntary basis.

The Contact Group meets frequently to coordinate national and international counter-piracy actions.

The Contact Group has become an essential forum as well and helps galvanize action and coordinate the counter-piracy efforts of states, as well as regional and international organizations.

Through the Contact Group, the international community has been able to coordinate multi-national naval patrols, work through the legal difficulties involved in addressing piracy, and cooperate to impede the financial flows of pirate networks.

Piracy continues to pose a severe threat to the maritime industry, global trade and therefore the entire global economy.

On 2010, 286 piracy-related incidents off the coast of Somalia were reported, resulting in 67 hijacked ships, with 1,130 seafarers on board; while a recent study estimated the cost to the world economy from disruptions to international trade at between $7 billion and $12 billion.

Hot this week

Did David Wineland and Serge Haroche Steal Idea For The Nobel Physics Prize?

Dr. Omerbashich says the Royal Swedish Academy is a Crime Scene and he has the proof that Nobel laureates stole his discovery.

New Approaches to Disaster Relief Challenges

Disaster relief has always been a challenge. NASA, Google,...

3 Legitimate Money Making Methods to Supplement Your Income

In a perfect world, when your landlord raises your...

2016 Predictions by World Renowned Medium and Psychic Lindy Baker

World renowned medium and psychic Lindy Baker is interviewed by The Hollywood Sentinel, discussing psychic power, the spirit world, life after death, areas of concern in 2016, and much more.

Digital Coupon Customers Spending More Than Double At Stores

A new study shows that customers who use digital coupons go shopping more for groceries and other household goods more often and spend more on their shopping trips.

Somalia Launches First Youth Football Development Center

Inaugurated by the president of Somali Football Federation, Mr. Ali Abdi Mohamed, the new youth football development center began its operation in the city of Baidoa on Thursday 13th of February 2025.

Tulsi Gabbard Confirmed as U.S. Director of National Intelligence, Meets with Indian PM Modi

Tulsi Gabbard, Director of National Intelligence The U.S. Senate confirmed...

Why Is Kendrick Lamar Dissing Drake Now?

Kendrick Lamar and Drake once shared a collaborative spirit, but tensions simmered in 2013 with Lamar's bold verse on "Control." What followed...

The History of Palestine: Ancient Civilizations to Today

From the ancient settlements of Jericho to the emergence of the Canaanites, the origins of Palestine reveal a rich tapestry of cultures. But what mysteries lie hidden in its sands, waiting to be unearthed?

DIY Garden Projects: Creative and Budget-Friendly Ideas

Transform your backyard with stunning DIY garden projects that elevate your outdoor space—yet one unexpected challenge remains...

Omri Hurwitz Media Adds New Clients BridgerPay, Marble Law, Canditech, Among Others

In a world where digital storytelling and media presence...

SFF President Names Election Rival as Referee Committee Chair

In a move described by many as a good...

This History of Hamas: Key Events Explored

As we explore the origins of this organization, a complex picture emerges, leading us to one question: what sparked...
spot_img

Related Articles

Popular Categories

spot_imgspot_img