Teen accused of leading pirate attack on US ship off Africa coast returns to NY court

Teen Somali piracy suspect appears in NY court

NEW YORK — A Somali teenager accused of leading a pirate attack on an American cargo ship off the coast of Africa has made a brief appearance before a New York judge.

Abdiwali Abdiqadir Muse (AHB’-dih-wah-lee AHB’-dih-kah-dihr moo-SAY’) was told at a three-minute Thursday hearing to return Jan. 12.

Muse smiled as he left court. He has pleaded not guilty to piracy charges.

Authorities say Muse was the only surviving pirate of a group that attacked the U.S.-flagged Maersk Alabama off the Somali coast in April. The ship carried humanitarian supplies.

Muse, charged with piracy and hostage-taking, could face life in prison if convicted.

The government says Muse is 18. His family says he is as young as 15.