Somali pirate jailed 10 years in Belgium

Brussels, Belgium (PANA) – A Somali pirate, found guilty of participating in attacking the Belgian boat, "Pompei", and taking 10 crew members hostage in April, 2009, was Wednesday jailed 10 years by the Belgian Court of Appeal in Brussels, PANA learnt from official sources here.

Omar Mohammed Abdiwahad was captured in November 2010 in the Indian Ocean, off the Kenyan coasts, by the Belgian ship "Louise-Marie" that took part in the rescue (Atalante) operation.

After several weeks of negotiations, the "Pompei" was released with the hostages after the payment of a ransom of US$ 2 million.

"Atalante" is the European maritime operation launched in the Indian Ocean to protect the ships of the World Food Programme (WFP), carrying food supplies and other aid to Somalis
fleeing clashes between rebel and Somali government troops.
-0- PANA AK/JSG/IBA/MTD/VAO 16Feb2012