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Captured Pirate to Face Trial in US

Maersk captain on his way back to Vermont

By Rob Quinn,  Newser Staff

Posted Apr 17, 2009 2:45 AM CDT

(Newser) – The only surviving pirate from the gang that attacked the Maersk Alabama will be put on trial in New York, authorities tell CBS News. The pirate—identified as Abdulwali Muse, 19—is believed to have been the ringleader. Muse, whose three cohorts were killed by Navy snipers, is likely to face charges that carry a maximum sentence of life in prison.

Authorities plan to try Muse in New York's Southern District court, which has handled several terror trials, including those of the co-conspirators in the bombings of the US embassies in Kenya and Tanzania. Muse's former captive, Capt. Richard Phillips, is headed back to his Vermont hometown from Kenya today and the people of Underhill have been busy preparing "Welcome Home" banners.

The American ship, the Maersk Alabama, whose crew thwarted a pirate attack, arrives in Mombasa,  Kenya.
The American ship, the Maersk Alabama, whose crew thwarted a pirate attack, arrives in Mombasa, Kenya.   (AP Photo / Sayyid Azim)
Richard Phillips the captain of the Maersk Alabama , right , is directed after he cleared security at the Mombasa airport, Kenya, today.
Richard Phillips the captain of the Maersk Alabama , right , is directed after he cleared security at the Mombasa airport, Kenya, today.   (AP Photo/Karel Prinsloo)
A  team from the amphibious assault ship USS Boxer tows the lifeboat from the Maersk Alabama to the Boxer to be processed for evidence after the successful rescue of Capt. Richard Phillips.
A team from the amphibious assault ship USS Boxer tows the lifeboat from the Maersk Alabama to the Boxer to be processed for evidence after the successful rescue of Capt. Richard Phillips.   (AP Photo/US Navy )
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COMMENTS
Showing 1 of 1 comment
Shannonals
Apr 19, 2009 9:34 AM CDT
Why bother with a trial? Seals should have capped him as soon as he popped into their sights, saved the taxpayers money

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