Authorities in Somalia's northeastern Federal State of Puntland have executed 2 of 3 men convicted of rape and murder of a 12-year-old girl, Garowe Online reports.
Aisha Ilyas Aden was raped and murdered at Galkayo city in Puntland in early February 2019, an incident that triggered demonstrations and outcry from among members of the public.
But of the 3 men convicted of murder, only 2 - Abdifatah Abdirahman Warsame and Abdisakur Mohamed Dige were executed during the Tuesday morning in the seaside city of Bosaso by a firing saquad with the presence of the family of the victim.
The execution of the 3rd convict - Cabdisalam Abdiraham Warsame, has been postponed until next week for further investigation.
Ilyas Aden, the father of the slain minor, lauded the execution, saying that "justice has finally reigned on my family and the soul of my daughter" while addressing reporters.
"2 were killed this morning and as a family, we welcome such decisive steps. The 3rd will have his fate determined next week," Ilyas said, adding that "I am grateful and satisfied."
Aisha Aden was abducted from the northern Galkayo market before her badly mutilated body was discovered the followin day, authorities said.
At least 12 people were arrested in connection to her murder, but 10 were acquitted because authorities failed to table evidence against them.
In August 2019, the appeals court upheld the initial ruling, dealing a blow to the convicts. Before the trial, Abdilatif had pleaded guilty of raping the girl, but denied murder charges, officials said.
Abdifitah Warsane and Abdishakur Dige join growing numbers of rapists to be have been executed as Abdisalan awaits his fate next week.
For the 1st time in history, DNA tests were used by investigators in Somalia as evidence for rape, an indication of science's role in criminal justice.
Tuesday's executions further elaborate on the tough Puntland criminal justice system, one of the best in Somalia, a country that has experienced instability for decades.
Rape and murder are punishable offenses in Somalia, with the death penalty being the primary fate for convicts and their accomplices.
Puntland Prtesident Said Abdullahi Deni, who was supposed to authorize for executions, did not give orders since the case was termed as ""civil" thus his minimal role in the case.
Source: garoweonline.com, Staff, February 11, 2020
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