The Seychelles Police Force are now more equipped to deal with such issues as pirates hand-over after a joint training exercise with the Japanese Coast Guard.

The exercise took place earlier this week at the Seychelles International Airport in the presence of dignitaries from Japan and Seychelles.

A memorandum of understanding (MoU) between Japan and Seychelles covering the conditions of transfer of seized property of suspected pirates was signed in 2014. The agreement covers issues such as pirates capture by the Japanese Navy, trial and possible conviction and repatriation to Somalia.

The scenario during this week’s exercise was that of two pirates who had been captured by the Japanese Coast Guard and taken into custody, along with evidence.  The Japanese Coast Guard then handed over the pirates and evidence to the Seychelles Police Force.

Superintendent Francois Freminot from the Criminal Investigation Department said that such an exercise will enable Seychelles and Japan to have a better relationship in the fight against piracy.

“Seychelles is still engaged in the fight against piracy, and piracy is still a threat even though it has calmed down a bit. Our partners are still engaged to make sure that we continue to have that knowledge on how to properly hand over pirates and to make sure that the procedures are well followed, as well as the hand-over of evidence to present to the court,” he said.

Vice-Admiral Satoshi Nakajima said, through a translator, that piracy is something that the international community should work together on.

“The Republic of Seychelles is taking part in such exercise to receive transfer of suspected pirates who would be eventually prosecuted in Seychelles. This action by the Republic of Seychelles has been praised by the international community, and we respect the effort that Seychelles is putting in the fight against piracy,” he said.

While the number of pirate attacks may have decreased, the threat of piracy remains real. Since Seychelles is surrounded by the ocean, we must remain vigilant and be on the alert at all times.

Forrás: www.nation.sc