Government spends R3m per month in fight against piracy
The government spends about R3 million per month in the fight against piracy, Minister Joel Morgan said in the National Assembly yesterday.
Mr Morgan, who chairs the High-level Committee on Piracy, was making a statement in relation to the government’s policy on piracy and the conditions under which it will pursue pirates and bring them to justice.
He also spoke about the reasons behind the amendments to the law that covers crimes connected to piracy which was recently voted in favour by the Parti Lepep members of the National Assembly.
Mr Morgan said maritime charter business and other economic activities lost about €28 million last year as a result of piracy.
He added that the law shows the government’s determination to take serious actions against these pirates.
“It gives us the right to take action against them, even if they have committed the offence outside our territorial waters,” Mr Morgan said.
He said the government’s policy regarding piracy is very clear and is based on our own discretion under the direction of the Attorney General.
Citing circumstances in which the government can take action, Mr Morgan said for example if pirates have attacked or put in danger a boat with Seychellois onboard; if they have attacked or put in danger a boat which carries our flag and if they have threatened our national security or attacked our territory.
Other examples warranting action include pirates attacking or threatening any boats coming to our country to provide a service; threatening or putting in danger the lives or security of our people or foreigners here.
Mr Morgan said if they have been arrested by one of our allies under such circumstances, an agreement must be signed with this country whereby the pirates will be repatriated to Somalia if the court finds them not guilty and the ally country will have to bear all expenses.
If they are guilty they will be repatriated to Somalia within a period of time to complete their prison sentence there.
He said Seychelles are working very closely with all its partners to deal with these pirates and ensure that they are punished.
The building of the prison in Puntland under the United Nations is expected to be completed by the end of this year and convicted pirates in Seychelles can finish their sentences there, Mr Morgan said.
After his statement members of the National Assembly were able to ask questions and seek clarification on the issue.