By HAN News Desk
MOGADISHU – A Somali military court has handed down a series of sentences, including the death penalty, prison terms, and acquittals, against individuals accused of carrying out brutal killings in the Lower Shabelle region.
The case, which drew significant public attention, involved the shocking murder and burning of an elderly man with a mental illness, sparking widespread outrage across the country.
The Somali Armed Forces Court of First Instance sentenced nine men to death by firing squad: Hassan Buule Isaaq, Yusuf Adan Hussein (Suuley), Abshir Cabdow Hassan Made, Mohamed Sayid Omar Awbiime, Omarey Iskoy Maame, Abuukar Da’uud Osman, Liibaan Abuukar Omar (Shiine), Yusuf Abuukey Maamo, and Jamaal Mohamed Qaadi.
They were convicted of participating in a mass killing in Warta Osman, approximately eight kilometres from Wanlaweyn, where 12 people were murdered, as well as the killing and burning of Isaaq Da’uud Mohamed in Wanlaweyn.
Death sentences were also issued in absentia to six individuals not currently in government custody: Ali Isxaaq Guuleed (Ali Yaris), Fu’aad Ahmed Mohamed (Duqow), Deqow Osman Nunow, Isse Abdi Mohamed (Alaan), Hussein Mohamed Qasim, and Abdi Mohamed Osman (Abdi Tuure). They face charges over a deadly attack on a well in Yaaqbariweyne, which killed five people and injured five others.
Additionally, six men – Abdifitaah Sokorey Gaduudow, Daahir Mukhtaar Shibow, Saah Hussein Ali, Abdihamid Abdullahi Siidow, Mohamed Daahir Osman, and Muslimo Abdi Kuusow – were sentenced to five years in military prison for their roles in the burning of the elderly man.
Meanwhile, four defendants – Ahmed Salah Abuukar, Qasim Abdi Hassan Amin, Abuukar Yusuf Ali Ahmed, and Osman Abdulle Aliyow – were acquitted after the prosecution failed to prove their involvement.
Authorities said the killings were linked to ongoing clan revenge attacks, which have fueled insecurity in the Wanlaweyn and Yaaqbariweyne districts of Lower Shabelle.
