United States Department of State (Washington, DC)

Seychelles: U.S. State Dept. On Seychelles Piracy Conviction

7 November 2012

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U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE

Office of the Spokesperson

November 7, 2012

STATEMENT BY VICTORIA NULAND, SPOKESPERSON

Republic of Seychelles Conviction of Pirates

We welcome the November 5 sentencing by the Republic of Seychelles to sentence of 15 in connection with an attack on a merchant ship and the abduction of 13 Iranian fishermen rescued by the U.S. Navy. This sentencing brings the total number of convicted pirates to 631 - 98 in Seychelles alone - with 440 other suspected pirates facing justice in 21 countries, including the United States.

We appreciate Seychelles' regional leadership on counter-piracy, as seen in their willingness to prosecute and incarcerate Somali pirates, as well as their hosting of a regional intelligence coordination center to support future piracy prosecutions. The sentencing marks a positive step forward for building a strong and unified international response against piracy originating from Somalia and for promoting freedom of navigation worldwide.

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