Court talks accused out of separate trial

In prison for the past seven years, a Somali accused claiming to be a victim of piracy, retracted his plea for a separate trial after the court explained that it would mean a longer time in prison before a verdict could be delivered.

The accused, Mohammed Ibrahim Mire, claimed that he was allegedly kidnapped by the other accused, and that he was not party to the crime. Mire was physically produced in court on the request to address his plea before the court.

"I am not an accused in the case but a victim. I was kidnapped by the pirates. I had mentioned this fact and pleaded with the prosecution to provide legal aid. Till date no one has helped me, but my case continued the way it was. So I want to exercise my right to seperate the trial," Mire said.

The court maintained that it was the right of the accused to have a separate trial. However, it made stated the legal complications he would face if he decides to go ahead on his plea to which the accused decided to take back his plea. The pirates were apprehended by the Indian Coast Guard in four separate anti-piracy operations.