Somalia: Military court sentences soldier to death for killing Minister

MOGADISHU, Somalia- A Somali military court has on Monday sentenced Ahmed Abdullahi “Aidid” to death for the killing Minister of Public Works and Reconstruction Abbas Siraji in Mogadishu, May 3, Garowe Online reports. 

Speaking to reporters in Mogadishu, the chairman of Somalia’s military tribunal Colonel Hassan Ali Nour Shuute has announced the final decision of the court.

Col Shuute said, Aidid, 29, has been found guilty of killing Siraji, after firing two bullets towards the vehicle of the Minister at a security checkpoint near the Presidential Palace. One of the shots has killed the Minster.

“After three proceeding, including hearings and the presentation of evidences the court sentences Ahmed Abdullahi Aided to death penalty,” he said.

 The judge has announced that the convicted soldier can still take an appeal if he is not satisfied with the court verdict. 

Siraji, who was the youngest member in the Somalia’s cabinet was killed when the bodyguards of Somalia’s auditor general opened fire on his car in third May at round 7:00 p.m. in the night.

Meanwhile, the court also ordered the release of Osman Salad Bare, who was one of the defendants arrested in connection with killing the Public Works minister. 

GAROWEONLINE