A leading human rights group is expressing concern about the possible amputation of four Somali men accused of stealing. A court set up by the insurgent group sentenced the four
men in the northern part of the capital, Mogadishu.
The men were accused of
stealing pistols and mobile phones from Mogadishu residents. But some human
rights groups have condemned the court's ruling, describing it as cruel and
inhumane.
Amnesty International researcher Benedicte Gouderiaux told VOA that al-Shabab should rescind its amputation verdict.
"Amnesty
International is appealing to al-Shabab not to carry out these amputations,
which constitute cruel, inhuman and degrading punishments," Gouderiaux said.
She
called on the insurgents to demonstrate that ordinary Somalis would be safe in
areas under their control.
"Amnesty
is calling on al-Shabab to show the Somali people that under their rule there
won't be more injustice and suffering. But that they would be able to carry out
fair trials according to due process," she said.
Gouderiaux
described as unfair trial the sentencing of the alleged thieves.
"It
appears that these four men did not even have a lawyer to represent them and
the proceedings were heard in private. And we don't know that there was enough
evidence to incriminate them," Gouderiaux said.
She
said Amnesty International would not be happy if the insurgents carry out the
amputations.
"Obviously
if this happens, we would be very sad. We would condemn the amputations. We
would appeal for proper medical care for these four men. And we would continue
to call on al-Shabab not to carry out any further punishments of this sort,"
she said.
Gouderiaux
said Amnesty International often calls on Somali insurgent groups fighting the
government to respect international human rights standards.
Al-Shabab
has refused to recognize the new Somali administration, vowing to overthrow the
government through violence and implement a strict form of Sharia law.
Somalia
has been without an effective government since 1990 after former President
Mohammed Siad Barre was ousted.