Somalia: Puntland president calls for probe in gang rape case in Galkayo

GAROWE, Puntland - Puntland President, Said Abdullahi Deni called for an expedited probe into the case of a 12-year-old girl who was gang raped, tortured and killed in Galkayo town, Garowe Online reports.

In a statement, the state president has strongly condemned the barbaric act and the horrific murder of the Aisha Ilyes Aden and sent heartfelt send condolences to family, friends and the entire Somali people.

Deni urged the security agencies to swiftly arrest the rapists and bring them to justice. 

Aden was missing since Sunday afternoon before she was found dead outside her house in the northern part of the divided city on Monday morning. The victim's death sent shock waves through the community.

Meanwhile, Galkayo's first-degree court issued Monday, February 25 an arrest warrant for Yasir Aden Ali, the driver of a car that dropped carcass of the young raped and killed girl, who is still at large.

Several have already been detained on the basis of suspicion and are being questioned in connection with the incident. 

"The security agencies have arrested several suspects in connection to the appalling incident after operations carried out in parts of the central town," said a police officer.

Thousands of people staged large demonstrations in Garowe and Galkayo in Puntland, condemning the heinous crime and called for stiff punishment for "heartless rapists" and must face the full force of the law.

The 12-Year-Old’s rape went viral and has been widely trending on Twitter using #JusticeForAisha hashtag.

GAROWE ONLINE