Somalia: Military court sentences Militants to death for Elder's killing

MOGADISHU, Somalia - A Somali military court has on Tuesday sentenced two alleged Al-Shabaab militants to death for killing a prominent traditional elder in Mogadishu, Garowe Online reports.

Judge Hassan Abdirahman Aden (Wabiyow), has announced the court ruling on the two men-  Hassan Ali Hassan (Kerow), 23, and Abdirahman Isse Ali (Fidow), 20, saying both men were found guilty of murder during the investigation by the Somali Police.

Hassan and Ali have been convicted of killing late Helowle Hefow Hussein, an electoral delegate, who elected Somali Federal lawmakers from Southwest administration in Mogadishu in November 2, 2016.

The two Al shabaab assassins were detained by Somali security forces shortly after shooting dead late Hussein in the capital's Wadajir district, with two pistols and a grenade bomb, according to the court.

The judge, while handing down the death penalty for defendants, said full hearing procedures were carried out by the court of Somali armed Forces on Monday, August 21, before issuing the final verdict.

"Any defendant who is unhappy with the verdict made by the first degree court, has the right to appeal his case to the appellate court within 30 days, otherwise the sentence will be carried out," he added.

Despite growing condemnations from the International human rights organizations, Somali military court continues to hand down death sentences against Al shabaab members and government soldiers accused of killings.

GAROWEONLINE