VP: Five Somalis found guilty of piracy charges in Norfolk

In a historic decision Wednesday, a jury in federal court convicted five Somali nationals as pirates in the April 1 attack on the Norfolk-based frigate Nicholas.

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The Virginian-Pilot: Expert says attack on Nicholas "consistent" with piracy

The prosecution’s piracy expert acknowledged Wednesday that it was “not uncommon” for pirates to hijack fishing vessels and use them in attacks on merchant vessels, which could bolster the defense’s argument that the five Somalis charged with piracy were kidnapped and forced into the act.

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Piracy suspects were victims, defense says as trial starts (The Virginian-Pilot)

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Five Somalis facing piracy charges were simple fishermen kidnapped, and at times blindfolded, by war lords and forced to take part in attacks on vessels in the Indian Ocean, their attorneys told a jury in federal court Wednesday.