Sanaa:The Specialized First Instance Criminal Court in Sanaa has delayed its decision regarding the jurisdiction challenge in a 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, stated satisfaction with the responses provided concerning the jurisdiction challenge. The prosecution maintained that the crimes, including participation in an armed gang and disturbing public peace, fall under the jurisdiction of the specialized criminal courts due to their impact on state security.
The defendants, however, continued to dispute the court's jurisdiction over their case.
In a separate session, the court issued a verdict against Sari Zafar Ahmed, convicting him of participating in an armed gang affiliated with Al-Qaeda and ISIS. He was sentenced to six years in prison starting from his arrest date. After serving his sentence, he will be under surveillance for three years, restricted from leaving his residence, and required to pledge good conduct with a three million riyal financial guarantee, which will be forfeited if he reoffends during the surveillance period.
Additionally, the court ordered the Public Prosecution, together with the Cultural Department and the Prisons Authority, to involve Ahmed in rehabilitation programs during his imprisonment, with periodic reports on his progress.
In drug-related cases, the court convicted nine individuals for receiving, transporting, and delivering hashish without intent to trade. Each was sentenced to five years in prison, and assets including a "Kia" car and other items used in the crime were confiscated.
The court also mandated rehabilitation and cultural programs for these convicted individuals and called for media campaigns to educate the public about the risks of involvement with extremist groups.
