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

Teen Somali piracy suspect due back in NY court

NEW YORK — A Somali teenager accused of leading a pirate attack on an American cargo ship off the coast of Africa is facing a New York judge.

Abdiwali Abdiqadir Muse (AHB’-dih-wah-lee AHB’-dih-kah-dihr moo-SAY’) has pleaded not guilty to piracy charges. He appears in Manhattan federal court on Thursday afternoon.

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 was carrying humanitarian supplies.

Muse was indicted on 10 counts including piracy and hostage-taking. He faces a mandatory life term if convicted of the most serious charge.

His lawyers have denied the government’s claim that Muse is 18. His family has said Muse is as young as 15.