The mother of the lone surviving Somali pirate from the kidnapping of commercial ship captain Richard Phillips is pleading for her son's release.
U.S. officials say the suspect is being flown to New York tonight and is due to appear in federal court.
In a telephone interview with The Associated Press, the man's mother claims he's only 16 and was swept up by "gangsters with money."
One official says investigators have determined he is at least 18, which would make it easier for prosecutors trying him in a U.S. court.
No charges have been publicly filed. The suspect could face charges that would carry a sentence of life in prison.
He was taken on board a U.S. ship shortly before Navy SEAL snipers killed the three remaining pirates holding Phillips hostage.
His mother is calling on President Barack Obama to pardon him or allow her to attend his trial.
Source: AP
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