A court in Rotterdam has requested recorded coverage of a Dutch navy shoot-out with Somalian pirates that led to their arrest.
Nine Somalians are currently standing trial for hijacking an Iranian fishing boat. They are also suspected of attempting to murder Dutch sailors. The pirates were arrested by sailors on the HNLMS Tromp off the Somalian coast on 2 April.
Defence lawyers have requested footage of the operation. The council seeks to determine who started the shooting. A month ago, the Ministry of Defence had released a video showing some footage. The navy often records images and audio of operations in which violence is likely to be used.
The court has ruled that the crew of the Iranian ship should appear as witnesses if possible.
A second case involving Somalian pirates will also go to court on Tuesday in Rotterdam. In this case, five suspects are standing trial for hijacking the South African yacht Choizil. These suspects were arrested by Dutch frigate the HNLMS Amsterdam in November off the coast of Tanzania.
(nc/kh)
© Radio Netherlands Worldwide
Email this Bulletin
Printer-friendly version
