Somalia’s Puntland state Military Court Sentences 14 Al-Shabab Militants to Death

The military court of Puntland state of the federal republic of Somalia sentenced 14 men, who the court stated were part of Al-shabab group to death. The ages of the sentenced young men are mostly between 18 – 28.

Abdifatah Haji Aden, the Chairman of Puntland’s military court, released the names and information of the convicted Al-shabab members, including a Abdihakin Jamaac Hassan Dhere 52 years old, born in Galkayo, which the court sentenced him to 20 years in prison.

Abdifatah Haji Aden stated that after all the court proceedings including hearings and the presentation of evidence the court sentences these 14 young men to death, clarifying that they can take an appeal within 30 days otherwise the sentence will be carried out.

Somalia’s military justice system requires a three-judge panel for any trial, whether for alleged militants or defendants from the armed forces. The hearings are public, sometimes even televised, But the system faces opposition, mainly from rights organizations and others that contend cases involving defendants with suspected terrorist ties should be transferred to civilian courts.