Specialized court in Sanaa sentences 3 Al-Qaeda terrorists to death, including Egyptian leader
SANAA, Aug.09 (YPA) – The Specialized Criminal Appeals Division in the capital, Sanaa, issued rulings on Sunday in cases involving terrorism, murder, armed robbery (Hiraba), and aiding the enemy, while also hearing appeals in an espionage-related case.
The session was presided over by Judge Abdullah Al-Najjar, with the membership of Judge Hussein Al-Ezzi and Judge Mohammed Sufyani , in the presence of the prosecution member Judge Ali Al-Julhi and the division’s registrar Abdulsalam Abbad, upheld a preliminary ruling against a terrorist group affiliated with Al-Qaeda.
The court confirmed the conviction of Naji Mohammed Okasha Younis Al-Khouli, an Egyptian national. He was convicted of leading an armed Al-Qaeda-affiliated group. The group carried out killings, kidnappings, robberies, and armed attacks. The court sentenced him to death.
It also upheld death sentences against Majed Farhan Ahmed Mohammed and Shamsan Nasr Ali Ahmed. Two other defendants had their prison sentences reduced. A fifth defendant was released based on time already served.
The court reviewed appeals by several defendants in a 48-person espionage case. The group is known as the “Dhamar Cell.” They face charges of spying, aiding the enemy, and forming armed cells. Their operations covered Sana’a, Amran, Dhamar, Hajjah, Hodeidah, Ibb, and Al-Bayda.
It gave prosecutors time to respond to the appeals. The judges also ordered the victims’ families to attend the next hearing.
Earlier, the primary court convicted the cell members. It sentenced 44 defendants to death. Four other defendants received prison terms between two and 15 years. The court also ordered the confiscation of all seized weapons, explosives, vehicles, and electronics.
Prosecutors accused the defendants of killing Dr. Raji Ahmed Abdulmalik Hamid Al-Din, Ali Al-Warith, and Radman Nasser Ghanem Al-Wasabi. The cell also tried to assassinate Taha Ahmed Al-Mutawakkil, Amin Mohammed Ahmed Jamaan, and Colonel Issam Yahya Nasser Al-Ghaili. Their targets included other senior political, military, and civilian figures.
Authorities stated the group also carried out bomb attacks in Dhamar province. These bombings targeted security checkpoints, facilities, and military positions. The attacks injured multiple security personnel and civilians.
@E.Y.M