Definition of piracy at center of hearing for 6 Somali nationals accused in attack on US ship

Definition of piracy at center of Va. hearing

NORFOLK, Va. — A judge is considering a defense bid to toss piracy charges against six Somali nationals accused in an attack on a U.S. Navy ship.

At a hearing in Norfolk, U.S. District Judge Raymond Jackson questioned a government lawyer Thursday about whether the alleged attack on the USS Ashland on April 10 constituted piracy. He said he would rule on a defense motion within weeks.

The piracy count is the most serious facing the six defendants and carries a mandatory life term.

On a separate motion, Jackson refused to move the trial out of Norfolk, which has a big military presence.

All the Ashland defendants have pleaded not guilty to the charges.

Five other Somali nationals are accused in a separate alleged attack on the USS Nicholas.