Spain Will Pay No Ransom For MS Alakrana Fishermen Held By Somali Pirates

A Spanish navy vessel forming part of international anti-piracy units arrested two of the pirates after they left the Alakrana last week-end.

Spain Will Pay No Ransom For MS Alakrana Fishermen Held By Somali Pirates

Spain - The Spanish government does not intend to pay a ransom for 36 fishermen whose vessel was seized by Somali pirates six days ago, Environment Minister Elena Espinosa said Wednesday. Speaking in the northern city of Vigo, Espinosa accused some media of "speculating" on how the fishermen, 16 of whom are Spaniards, could be released.

MS Alakrana is stationed off the Somali coast while Spain tries to obtain the release of its crew.

A Spanish navy vessel forming part of international anti-piracy units arrested two of the pirates after they left the Alakrana last week-end.

Madrid judge Baltasar Garzon has issued an order for the two to be brought to Spain for questioning and to be remanded in custody.

In April 2008, Spain obtained the release of another fishing crew which pirates had held for a week.

The government has not confirmed reports that it paid a ransom of 1.2 million dollars for the 13 Spanish and 13 African fishermen on board MS Playa de Bakio




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