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Six suspected members of a Somali pirate gang are going on trial in Paris on Tuesday.
They're charged with the hijacking a French luxury yacht in 2008 -- one of the highest-profile acts of piracy off the East African coast in recent years.
But the defense lawyer says a large group seized control of the Ponant yacht in April 2008 -- and asks why only these six men are taking the blame.
(SOUNDBITE) (French) DEFENCE LAWYER CEDRIC ALEPEE SAYING:
"Several dozen pirates were present on the Ponant. Six people were arrested so there is a problem. Why was there no investigation carried out in order to at least identify or arrest the people who were really on the Ponant?"
The six captured members were seized by a small group of elite French troops on land after a ransom had been paid.
The raid was recorded by the French military and pictures were released at the time.
If convicted the six men could face life in prison.
Travis Brecher, Reuters
