11 Somalians set to appear in US court for alleged piracy

11 Somalians accused of attacking 2 navy ships off the coast of Africa have appeared in Virginia federal court on charges of piracy.

The defendants didn’t enter pleas Friday before U.S. Magistrate Tommy Miller. An interpreter read the charges to them.

The judge scheduled a detention hearing next Wednesday and ordered the defendants detained until then. They’ll be assigned defense attorneys later.

They appeared in 2 separate groups: 5 are accused of attacking the USS Nicholas and 6 are accused of attacking the USS Ashland.

There was heavy security and the men wore handcuffs and prison uniforms. 1 man used crutches and his head was wrapped in a bandage. Another used a wheelchair, as his leg was amputated just below the knee.