Sanaa:The Specialized First Instance Criminal Court in Sanaa has postponed making a decision on a 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 led by Judge Abdullah Al-Hamzi, the prosecution, represented by Judge Mujahid Al-Shabibi, expressed satisfaction with their submitted responses regarding the jurisdiction challenge. The prosecution argued that the crimes in question, which include participation in an armed gang, disturbing public peace, bombing, and arson, fall under the authority of specialized criminal courts due to their impact on state security.
The defendants, however, maintained their stance on the jurisdiction challenge.
In a separate session, the court convicted Sari Zafar Ahmed for participating in an armed gang linked to Al-Qaeda and ISIS, sentencing him to six years in prison from the date of his arrest. Post-imprisonment, he is to be placed under surveillance for three years, restricted from leaving his residence, and required to pledge good conduct, with a financial guarantee of three million riyals to be forfeited if he reoffends.
The court mandated the Public Prosecution, along with the Cultural Department and Prisons Authority, to provide rehabilitation programs for Ahmed during his sentence and report quarterly on his progress. It also urged media outlets to create programs highlighting the dangers of extremist groups.
In a separate drug-related case, the court sentenced nine individuals to five years in prison for handling hashish without intent to trade. A "Kia" car and related items used in the crime were ordered confiscated. The court also required rehabilitation programs for these convicts, with periodic updates on their behavior.
