French Naval forces now have the ability to detain suspects in international waters thanks to a new bill unveiled on Wednesday.

Under the new bill, naval commanders acting under the control of the judicial authorities will be able to record piracy crimes and offences, arrest suspected pirates and bring them to trial.

The bill aims to provide a judicial framework for France’s anti-piracy efforts to allow navy commanders at sea to take action outside of state jurisdiction.

15 Somali pirates accused of hijacking two French yachts in the Gulf of Aden are currently being held in France.

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