Attorneys: Accused Somali pirates were blindfolded, handcuffed without access to interpreter

Attorneys: Accused pirates blindfolded, handcuffed

RICHMOND, Va. — Defense attorneys argue three Somali men being prosecuted on U.S. piracy charges were held naked, blindfolded and handcuffed for days without an interpreter, while an interpreter threatened to toss another overboard.

Attorneys representing the defendants made the claims in court papers filed Monday in U.S. District Court in Norfolk, where five Somalis are being prosecuted for the alleged April 1 attack on the USS Nicholas off the coast of Africa.

An attorney also claims charges against one of the defendants should be dismissed because he is a juvenile.

The Nicholas defendants and six Somali men accused in the April 10 attack on the USS Ashland have pleaded not guilty.

The government declined to respond Monday to the motions filed in the cases, saying it will respond in court.