A Belgian court in the northern city of Bruges on Monday sentenced the 58-year-old Mohamed Abdi Hassan, known as Afwayne to 20 years in prison for having hijacked the Pompei off the coast of Somalia, as it had been on its way to South Africa for dredging works. He was also found guilty of torture, Belga wrote.
The Pompei’s 10 crew members were taken hostage for more than 70 days by Somalian pirates, who managed to extort a ransom of about €2m, according to Belga.
Hassan is expected to appeal the ruling, which also orders him to pay €20 000 to the Dutch captain of the Pompei and his family.
Another suspect who was arrested together with Hassan in 2013 was also sentenced on Monday to five years in prison for having played a role in a criminal organization.
