First German piracy trial in 400-years

Germany’s first piracy trial in 400-years has started, with 10 alleged Somali pirates - believed to be between 17 and 48 years of age - having been charged with attempting to hijack the German container ship, MS Taipan, in April. The crew of the vessel retreated to a safe room when the pirates boarded the vessel, UK trade magazine IFW reported. However, the Dutch navy exchanged gunfire with the pirates and boarded the ship some 900-kilometres off the coast of Somalia. The suspects were flown to the Netherlands from Djibouti after Germany issued European arrest warrants. A Dutch court then ordered them to be extradited to Germany where they are now standing trial.