Report on Unjustified Death Penalties in Puntland and Condemnation by the Coalition of Somali Human Rights Defenders (CSHRD)
The photo of the executed
Introduction
On August 17, 2024, the Puntland regional authorities executed ten individuals in Gaalkacyo Town. The condemned individuals, ranging in age from 17 to 52, were sentenced to death on allegations of being members and collaborators of the Al-Shabaab terrorist organization. The execution of these individuals has sparked widespread condemnation, particularly from the Coalition of Somali Human Rights Defenders (CSHRD), which has criticized the death sentences as draconian, unjust, and lacking due process.
The photos of the scene:
Details of the Executed Individuals
The following individuals were executed:
1. Xasan Jamac Maxamed
2. Liibaan Aadan Muuse
3. Barkhad Cawil Xersi
4. Xasan Muuse Axmed
5. Cabdikhaaliq Warsame Barre
6. Cadde Cabdullaahi Maxamed
7. Maxamed Cabdisalaan Axmed
8. Cabdiraxmaan Feysal Salaad
9. Cabdiqani Farxaan Cabdillaahi
10. Cabdisalaan Sahal Shuceyb
These individuals were accused of being affiliated with Al-Shabaab, a militant group that has been involved in numerous terrorist activities across Somalia. However, the circumstances surrounding their trials and subsequent executions have raised serious concerns about the fairness and legality of the process.
Lack of Due Process and Appeal
The executions were carried out by the Puntland authorities at both the district and regional levels. Alarmingly, the process did not allow for an appeal to be filed through the highest federal court in Mogadishu, which is a significant violation of legal rights. This denial of the right to appeal is particularly concerning, as it removes any opportunity for the sentences to be reviewed or overturned by a higher judicial authority.
Condemnation by the Coalition of Somali Human Rights Defenders (CSHRD)
The Coalition of Somali Human Rights Defenders (CSHRD) has strongly condemned the death sentences, labeling them as “draconian and unfair.” The coalition argues that the trials lacked transparency and that the defendants were not afforded adequate legal representation or the right to a fair trial. CSHRD emphasizes that such actions not only violate Somali law but also international human rights standards.
In a statement, CSHRD expressed deep concern over the use of the death penalty in cases where due process has not been observed. They highlighted the need for judicial reforms in Somallia to allow regions like puntland to apply the law appropriately and to ensure that all individuals accused of crimes are given a fair trial, with full access to legal representation and the right to appeal.
Call for Action
CSHRD is calling on the Puntland authorities and the Somali federal government to:
1. Investigate the Circumstances: Conduct a thorough and independent investigation into the trials and executions of these ten individuals to determine whether their legal rights were violated.
2. Halt Further Executions: Immediately halt any further executions in all regions e.g. Hirshabelle, Jubaland, South West and Puntland, particularly in cases where due process has not been fully observed. As these use death penalties even against political decent or rivals, minority people and against marginalized communities to create a single clan enclave and displace other clans away from their origins.
3. Judicial Reforms: Implement judicial reforms to ensure that all accused individuals receive a fair trial, with the right to appeal and access to adequate legal representation.
4. International Intervention: Request international human rights organizations to monitor the situation in Puntland and provide support in ensuring that human rights are upheld.
5. The International stakeholders supporting the state building process in Somalia should sanction any region that is violating human rights of minorities and marginalized communities using the resources offered to them by the international community.
Conclusion
The execution of ten individuals in Puntland under questionable legal circumstances has highlighted serious flaws in the region’s judicial system. The condemnation by the Coalition of Somali Human Rights Defenders reflects growing concern about the use of the death penalty in Somalia, particularly in cases where due process is not guaranteed. It is imperative that the Somali government and international community address these issues to prevent further injustices and to uphold the rule of law in the region.
HANAHR Advocacy Team