The Somali pirates convicted last week of hijacking the South Korean freighter “Samho Jewelry” are appealing their sentences.

Mahomed Arai, who was sentenced to life imprisonment in the first trial for having shot the captain of the freighter, and Aul Brallat, who was sentenced to 15 years, have lodged an appeal against the court's decision.

Two other pirates given 13-year terms respectively are known to be preparing to appeal as well.

Arai’s lawyer said that Arai was convicted of shooting captain Seok Hae-kyun without sufficient evidence. The lawyer also said he is appealing the ruling that accuses Arai of having used Samho Jewelry crew members as “human shields.”