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Abdiwali Abdiqadir Muse, a teenager of questionable age, is the first person to face trial in the United States on piracy charges in more than a century. He was flown from Africa to a New York airport and taken into custody ahead of a court hearing today.
While Abdiwali Abdiqadir Muse says he is 16, law enforcement officials say he is 18, meaning he will be able to be tried as an adult without extra steps being taken.
At the same time, the teen's mother pleaded with U.S. President Barack Obama for his release. Adar Abdirahman Hassan said:
"I appeal to President Obama to pardon my teenager; I request him to release my son or at least allow me to see him and be with him during the trial. "
According to the boy's father, this "mission" was the boy's first with the pirates.
"He just went with them without knowing what he was getting into."
Muse will face a Tuesday court hearing where he is expected to be charged with piracy and hostage-taking.
Posted April 21st, 2009 by Michael Santo
