News

Child rapists shot by firing squad in Somalia

Last updated on September 11th, 2021 at 03:04 pm

A firing squad has executed two men in north-eastern Somalia for raping and killing a 12-year-old girl.

Aisha Ilyaas Aden was abducted, gang raped and killed near her home in Galkayo, in the semi-autonomous region of Puntland, in February 2019.

The case caused uproar and sparked demonstrations across the country.

Ten suspects were initially arrested but the regional High Court found three of them guilty in May.

Prosecutors said they relied on DNA evidence for the first time to convict them.

Two of those found guilty – Abdifatah Abdirahman Warsame and Abdishakur Mohamed Dige – were shot at a public square in Bossasso town on Tuesday morning, the Garowe Online news website reported.

A third man, Abdisalam Abdirahman Warsame, the brother of Abdifatah, was spared despite also being sentenced to death.

Aisha’s father, Ilyas Adan, has told Puntland State TV that he requested the court postpone Abdisalam’s execution for 10 days until his case is re-assessed.

“This execution will serve as a strong lesson and the Somali girls will be safe,” Mr Aden said.

Activists and campaign groups say rape and sexual abuse have become more common in Somalia in recent years.

Albert Echetah

Recent Posts

Protesters Demand Wealthy NationsPay Fair Share in Climate Finance amidCOP29

This Thursday morning, some fifty protesters gathered at the COP29 venue's gate, calling onrich countries to fulfill their financial pledges…

November 14, 2024

International Day for Tolerance – UAE is “Home for all” and a “beacon of Tolerance”

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has always been considered an important player in the international business environment. But beyond the…

November 14, 2024

Trump chooses Elon Musk to head government efficiency department

Billionaire tech entrepreneur Musk, who has called for major spending cuts, has been chosen alongside biotech investor Vivek Ramaswamy to…

November 13, 2024

10 Must-Try African Dishes

African cuisine is a delightful combination of flavors, colors, and interlocking textures owing to the variety of cultures and areas.…

November 13, 2024

Somaliland Holds Elections, Reaffirming Self-Declared Independence

Somaliland voters came to the polls on Wednesday to elect a president as the breakaway Somali region seeks international recognition…

November 13, 2024

The 2025 Champions Trophy could be moved to South Africa if Pakistanrejects ICC conditions

The ICC Champions Trophy 2025 could be moved to South Africa if the Pakistan CricketBoard (PCB) rejects the hybrid model,…

November 12, 2024

This website uses cookies.