Somalia soldier given death sentence for minister’s murder

Somali lawmaker Abbas Abdullahi Sheikh Siraji was shot by state security forces on 3 May 2017 [Ifonuura/Wikimedia]

A Somali soldier has been given the death sentence yesterday for killing Abbas Siraj, the minister of public works and reconstruction on 3 May, reported Garowe Online.

Somalia soldier Ahmed Abdullah “Aidid” was sentenced to death for firing two bullets at a vehicle travelling towards the presidential palace, killing the minister.

Aidid can appeal the verdict. According to the BBC, his lawyers argued that the killing was an accident. Adid’s co-defendant, Osman Salad Barren, is to be released.

The minister was the youngest cabinet member in Somalia, at 31 years of age. He served as public works and reconstruction minister.

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