Somalia’s Largest Pirate Prison Reforms Convicts

As international forces have intensified their crackdown on Somali pirates in recent years, many pirates are now spending their days on shore behind bars.

The Garowe Prison in the Puntland State of northeast Somalia is the country’s largest pirate prison and now houses 242 prisoners.

One prisoner, who calls himself Abaas in order to protect his real name, used to make a living by attacking ships in the Indian Ocean before his luck ran out.

"There were 14 of us. We attacked a ship, but it was unsuccessful. Then we were arrested and taken to the Seychelles. I was given a ten-year jail sentence," said Abaas.

He spent two years at the Seychelles before being shipped back to Garowe.

"In Somalia, I feel much better, because I am in my own country. I have reformed and I am ready to be re-integrated back into society," he said.

The prison is run by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime.

"We have 26 pirates transferred from Seychelles. Here they are close to their families and families can visit anytime,"said Abdirizak Jama, from the UN Office on Drugs and Crime.

With jobs scarce and the most successful pirates able to make millions from ransoms, the life of a pirate can be an attractive option to many Somalians. However, at Garowe the jailed pirates are being taught new skills such as brickmaking to help turn them toward a more righteous path.

Abaas and his friends express regret for their past activities and insist they will change their ways once they are set free.