Puntland Justice ministry to investigate if military court sentenced under-age Al-Shabaab fighters

Justice minister of the semi-autonomous regional state, Salah Abiib said his ministry will investigate if Puntland court sentenced underage-Al-Shabaab members to death.

Mr. Abiib said the constitution does not allow to take a person less than 18 years to court. ” We will investigate the sentence handed down by the court complies with the constitution.”

In June, Puntland Attorney Genera said 54 minors have been exempted from the death charges and sent to rehabilitation centers within Puntland state.

Mid June, Northeastern State has sentenced 43 Al-Shabaab fighters taken prisoner during clashes with security forces to death.

 

In March, Puntland forces neutralized boatloads of Al Shabaab fighters amid bitter dissension within the Somali militant group.

Intense onslaughts that tightened noose on Al-Shabaab in central and southern Somalia is believed to have led to exodus towards Galgala Mountains where Puntland troops have battled militants in sporadic clashes since mid-2010.