. >> for the first time, almost 400 years, the northern german port city of hamburg is holding a trial ainst suspected pirates. one of the legal questions is whether some of the pirates are old enough to stand trial. >> the dog was crowded and the trial opened in hamburg. the 10 alleged pirates are being tried in this court. they are being defended by a team of 20 lawyers. prosecutors know little about the defendants. even their ages are not certain. the trial is expected to be complicated. prosecutors say they are certain of success. >> we have gathered sufficient evidence. we have presented the court with 22 witnesses and plenty of material evidence. including weapons. >> the men are accused of having seized the freighter in april. there were able to hide in a safe room -- the crew was able to hide in a safe room. piracy is commonplace in somalia. the defendant's' lawyers argue that their citizens see no other option but to return to crime. >> you know it is a poor country where millions are starving. it is difficult for people to get by. that has something to do with this case. >> t

. >> for the first time, almost 400 years, the northern german port city of hamburg is holding a trial against suspected pirates. one of the legal questions is whether some of the pirates are old enough to stand trial. >> the dog was crowded and the trial opened in hamburg. the 10 alleged pirates are being tried in this court. they are being defended by a team of 20 lawyers. prosecutors know little about the defendants. even their ages are not certain. the trial is expected to be complicated. prosecutors say they are certain of success. >> we have gathered sufficient evidence. we have presented the court with 22 witnesses and plenty of material evidence. including weapons. >> the men are accused of having seized the freighter in april. there were able to hide in a safe room -- the crew was able to hide in a safe room. piracy is commonplace in somalia. the defendant's' lawyers argue that their citizens see no other option but to return to crime. >> you know it is a poor country where millions are starving. it is difficult for people to get by. that has something to do with this case. >>