By JERUSALEM POST STAFF
French officials have filed preliminary charges against six suspected Somali pirates accused of taking two French citizens captive off the coast of East Africa this month, a judicial official said.
The six were captured in a French commando operation to free the hostages Sept. 15 and were flown to France and jailed.
Preliminary charges for "hijacking a boat" and "taking captive several hostages to try to obtain a ransom," were filed against them late Thursday, a judicial official said, speaking on condition of anonymity because the investigation is ongoing.
Preliminary charges give judges time to investigate before ordering a trial or dropping charges. During questioning, all six acknowledged involvement, to varying degrees, in the case, the official said. Two said they were present when the couple were seized, while others said they were responsible for guarding the boat or trying to negotiate a ransom, the official said.
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