NORFOLK, Va., Nov. 22 (UPI) -- Five Somalis charged with piracy for attacking a U.S. Navy ship are nearing the end of their trial in Norfolk, Va.
U.S. District Judge Mark Davis began reading the jury its instructions Monday morning, and closing arguments were expected to start in the afternoon, The (Norfolk) Virginian-Pilot reported.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Benjamin Hatch said he was "confident" the jury would find guilt on all 14 charges.
The Somalis are accused of attacking the frigate Nicholas, based in Norfolk, in the Indian Ocean on April 1, taking it for a merchant ship. According to prosecution witnesses, the defendants admitted setting off from Somalia to seize a ship.
Davis said he would instruct the jury on the defense of duress, which allows an acquittal on grounds the Somalis were kidnapped and forced into piracy.
The trial marked the first time since 1819 that someone was tried in a U.S. court for piracy on the high seas. Guilty pleas were entered by two other Somali pirates charged earlier.
