Thursday, 14th July 2011
EU and Mauritius sign an agreement for transfer of suspected pirates
On 14 July the EU and the Republic of Mauritius signed an agreement on the transfer and prosecution of suspected pirates. This agreement defines the conditions and modalities for the transfer of persons suspected of having committed acts of piracy, detained by EUNAVFOR within its area of operation and on the high seas off the coast of Mauritius, Madagascar, the Comoros Island, Seychelles and Réunion Island. Under this agreement, EUNAVFOR may transfer suspected pirates and associated seized property to the competent law enforcement authorities of Mauritius for the purpose of investigation and prosecution. The agreement specifies that transferred suspects will be prosecuted and tried under Mauritian law. Article 4 of the agreement sets out individual rights and minimum guarantees for suspects awaiting trial. The agreement also defines the obligations of both parties as regards records, notification and handling of seized property and evidence. The agreement applies provisionally and will enter into force when the Parties have concluded their internal procedure for the ratification of the agreement. In the context of this agreement, the European Union has allocated a EUR 3 Million grant to the Republic of Mauritius under the 10th European Development Programme. This funding will contribute to the setting up of a court of justice and prison facilities.
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