The Somali military court has delivered a series of major verdicts, including death sentences, military prison terms and acquittals, in connection with shocking mass killings recently recorded in Wanlaweyn and Yaaqbariweyne in Lower Shabelle.
The case drew nationwide attention after the gruesome murder and burning of an elderly man who had a mental health condition, an incident that sparked widespread public outrage and calls for justice. The killings, which also included a separate attack that left 12 people dead, were described by prosecutors as collective murders carried out with extreme brutality.
In its ruling, the First Degree Military Court sentenced nine men to death by firing squad. Those convicted include Hassan Buule Isaaq, Yusuf Aadan Hussein (Suuley), Abshir Abdow Hassan Made, Mohamed Sayid Omar Awbiime, Umarey Iskoy Maame, Abukar Daa’ud Osman, Liban Abukar Omar (Shiine), Yusuf Abukey Maamo and Jamaal Mohamed Qaadi.
The court found them guilty of participating in the mass killing at Warta Cismaan, located about eight kilometres from Wanlaweyn, where 12 people were murdered, as well as the separate killing and burning of Isaaq Daa’ud Mohamed in the same area.
The court also issued death sentences in absentia against several fugitives who remain at large. Those convicted in absentia are Ali Isaaq Guuleed (Ali Yariis), Fu’aad Ahmed Mohamed (Duqow), Deeqow Osman Nuunow, Iise Abdi Mohamed (Alaan), Hussein Mohamed Qaasim and Abdi Mohamed Osman (Abdi Tuure). They are wanted in connection with an armed attack in Yaaqbariweyne that killed five people and injured five others.
The court handed five-year military prison terms to six individuals accused of playing secondary roles in the burning of the elderly victim. Those sentenced include Abdifitah Sokorey Gaduudow, Daahir Mukhtar Shibow, Saax Hussein Ali, Abdihamid Abdullahi Sidow, Mohamed Daahir Osman and Muslimo Abdi Kusow.
Four defendants, however, were acquitted after the court ruled that there was insufficient evidence to support the charges. Those released are Ahmed Salah Abukar, Qaasim Abdi Hassan Ameen, Abukar Yusuf Ali Ahmed and Osman Abdulle Aliyow.
The verdict marks one of the most high-profile rulings issued by Somalia’s military courts in recent years, as the country continues efforts to combat violent crime, clan-linked killings and mob-style attacks in Lower Shabelle and other regions.
Authorities say the death sentences will be forwarded to the appeals court for confirmation.
