Puntland accuses Somalia Govt of blocking transfer of pirates ‘convicted in Iran’

Image

GAROWE, Somalia, September 7, 2015 (Garowe Online)-Puntland Counter-Piracy Director Abdirizak Mohamed Dirir (Du’aysane) has accused Somalia’s Federal Government of blocking piracy-transfer efforts, Garowe Online reports.

In an interview with Puntland-based independent station, Radio Garowe, Dirir said Mogadishu-based federal government prevented the transfer of additional 32 inmates convicted of high seas crimes in Iran.

He said, he has long worked on a plan that would have seen Somali pirates transferred over to Danish-funded prison facility in the state capital of Garowe.

Somali authorities have not responded to a plea by Iran which seeks that the pirates be extradited to complete their prison sentences in Somalia.

Puntland previously received close to a hundred convicted pirates from the African Island, Seychelles.

The piracy transfer plan is said to be waiting for parliamentary approval.

The northeastern state which was once a hotbed is boasting that it will be capable of securing key maritime routes if NATO counter-piracy operations off Somalia coast end. 

GAROWE ONLINE 

Related Articles

US military bombs ISIS militants in Somalia's Puntland

The operation is now in its seventh month. Puntland is considered the safest and most progressive state in Somalia.

  • Puntland

    08-07-2025

  • 12:25PM

Puntland Forces Launch Operation Against ISIS Remnants in Al-Miskad Mountains

Security officials say the operation is part of a broader effort to eliminate remaining militant cells in the mountainous region.

  • Puntland

    30-06-2025

  • 08:17AM