Sanaa:The Specialized First Instance Criminal Court in Sanaa has postponed its decision on a jurisdiction challenge in the case involving defendants accused of murder, arson, and bombing in Sanaa and Al-Dhale' Governorate.
According to Yemen News Agency, during a session presided over by Judge Abdullah Al-Hamzi, the prosecution, represented by Judge Mujahid Al-Shabibi, maintained its position that the crimes, which include involvement in an armed gang and causing public disturbances, fall under the jurisdiction of the specialized criminal courts. The defendants, however, continue to contest the court's jurisdiction.
In a separate session, the court convicted Sari Zafar Ahmed for his involvement with an armed gang linked to Al-Qaeda and ISIS, sentencing him to six years in prison beginning from his arrest date. The court also imposed a three-year surveillance period post-release, restricting his movement and requiring a good conduct pledge and a financial guarantee of three million riyals.
The court further mandated the Public Prosecution, alongside the Cultural Department and the Prisons Authority, to engage the convicted person in rehabilitation programs, with quarterly progress reports submitted to the court. Additionally, media outlets were urged to create programs highlighting the dangers posed by extremist groups.
In another ruling, the court convicted nine individuals for drug-related offenses, sentencing each to five years in prison for the illegal handling of hashish. The court ordered the confiscation of a "Kia" car and other items linked to the crime. These defendants will also undergo rehabilitation programs, and their progress will be monitored through periodic reports.
