Accused Pirates To Be Arraigned in Norfolk

Eleven Somali nationals accused in separate attacks on two U.S. Navy ships are due in federal court today in Norfolk, Va., for arraignment on piracy and other charges.
 
The Somalis are scheduled to appear in separate federal courtrooms to enter pleas on the piracy charges and other counts contained in a superseding indictment handed up earlier this month.

Six of the men are accused in the April 10 attack on the Ashland, a Little Creek-based amphibious dock landing ship. Five are charged with an alleged April 1 attack on the Norfolk-based frigate Nicholas. The ships were patrolling pirate-infested waters off Africa.

The piracy charge carries a mandatory life term. All entered not guilty pleas at their previous arraignment.