The
Comite Maritime International - the umbrella organization of
national maritime law associations - promulgated a model anti-piracy
law last year.
Though it rejected Japan's offer for collaboration, in a sharp
reversal of its previous policy, China started handing down death
sentences against murderous pirates. The 13 marauders who seized the
Cheung Son and massacred its 23 Chinese sailors were executed two
years ago in the southern city of Shanwei. Another 25 people
received long prison sentences. The - declared - booty amounted to a
mere $300,000.
India and Iran - two emerging "pirates safe harbor" destinations -
have also tightened up sentencing and port inspections. In the
Alondra Rainbow hijacking, the Indian Navy captured the Indonesian
culprits in a cinematic chase off Goa. They were later sentenced
severely under both the Indian Penal Code and international law.
Even the junta in Myanmar has taken tentative steps against
compatriots with piratical predilections.
Law enforcement does not tolerate a vacuum. "The Economist" reports
about two private military companies - Marine Risk Management and
Satellite Protection Services (SPS) - which deploy airborne
mercenaries to deal with piracy. SPS has even suggested to station
2500 former Dutch marines in Subic Bay in the Philippines - for a
mere $2500 per day per combatant.
Pages:
105
106
107
108
109
110
111
112
113
114
115
116
117
118
119
120
121
122
123