Pirate Leader Got 12 Life Sentences

14.08.2012 American court gave 12 life sentences to the leader of Somali pirates Mohammad Saaili Shibin, reports Lenta.ru referring to Associated Press. Shibin was found guilty on 15 counts including piracy, kidnapping, and hostage taking. The judge pointed out that the pirate was very glad to find out that the accusations did not imply death penalty. Apart from life sentences, Shibin was amerced to $5.4 mln compensation.

Shibin was arrested by US military servicemen in Apr 2011. According to the US Government, he is the highest ranked Somali pirate ever captured and faced trial.

In particular, Shibin negotiated on release of pirated yacht Quest not participating in her highjacking. Additionally, he was involved in financing of pirate activities in Somalia.

Yacht Quest with American citizens onboard was captured by pirates off Oman in Feb 2011. During negotiations held by representatives of US Navy, pirates killed four hostages without notification. After that, a special force team boarded the yacht and captured the highjackers.

Earlier on, other 11 pirates directly participated in the Quest's capture were life-sentenced by the US court. Although their three crime partners have not been sentenced so far, procuracy said it would strive for death penalty.