ABU DHABI // Ten Somali pirates who hijacked the UAE ship MV-Arrilah in April last year did not mean any harm, their defence lawyer told a court yesterday.
The men are appealing the life sentences handed out by the Federal Primary Court.
Their lawyer, Nashwa Al Kubaissi, said the men came from poor societies where people were prone to being tricked by criminals into carrying out certain acts.
She also emphasised that two of the pirates were juveniles.
"They had rocket propelled grenades with them which they could have used to attack the troops but they did not," she said, noting that none of the crew members were seriously hurt in the attack.
The two men who masterminded the hijacking operation have escaped, so the case was missing vital elements and evidence.
Ms Al Kubaissi also questioned whether the proper permits had been obtained before the arrest of the 10 men. The case was adjourned to January 21.
hdajani@thenational.ae
Titanium Escrow profile
Started: December 2016
Founder: Ibrahim Kamalmaz
Based: UAE
Sector: Finance / legal
Size: 3 employees, pre-revenue
Stage: Early stage
Investors: Founder's friends and Family
The specs: McLaren 600LT
Price, base: Dh914,000
Engine: 3.8-litre twin-turbo V8
Transmission: Seven-speed automatic
Power: 600hp @ 7,500rpm
Torque: 620Nm @ 5,500rpm
Fuel economy 12.2.L / 100km
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Labour dispute
The insured employee may still file an ILOE claim even if a labour dispute is ongoing post termination, but the insurer may suspend or reject payment, until the courts resolve the dispute, especially if the reason for termination is contested. The outcome of the labour court proceedings can directly affect eligibility.
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UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
