Sanaa:The Specialized First Instance Criminal Court in Sanaa has postponed its ruling on a jurisdiction challenge in a case involving defendants accused of murder, arson, and bombing. The court is considering whether it has the authority to hear the case, which involves an armed gang accused of serious crimes in Sanaa and Al-Dhale' Governorate.
According to Yemen News Agency, during the session presided over by Judge Abdullah Al-Hamzi, the prosecution, represented by Judge Mujahid Al-Shabibi, expressed satisfaction with the responses it had submitted regarding the jurisdiction challenge. The prosecution argued that the crimes, including participation in an armed gang, bombing, and arson, fall under the specialized criminal courts' jurisdiction as they threaten state security and public safety. However, the defendants maintained their challenge regarding the court's jurisdiction.
In a separate case, the court convicted Sari Zafar Ahmed for participating in an armed gang affiliated with Al-Qaeda and ISIS. He was sentenced to six years in prison from the date of his arrest. Following his prison term, Ahmed will be under surveillance for three years and is prohibited from leaving his residence. He must also pledge good conduct, submit a financial guarantee of three million riyals, and avoid any association with extremist organizations. If he reoffends during the surveillance period, the financial guarantee will be confiscated.
The court instructed the Public Prosecution to collaborate with the Cultural Department and Prisons Authority to provide rehabilitation programs for Ahmed during his imprisonment, with periodic reports on his progress required every three months. Additionally, media outlets were urged to run programs highlighting the dangers of extremist organizations.
In another ruling, nine individuals were convicted for drug-related offenses, specifically for receiving, transporting, and delivering hashish. Each was sentenced to five years in prison. The court ordered the confiscation of a 2008 Kia car, bags, and phones linked to the crime. As with the previous case, the Public Prosecution was tasked with coordinating rehabilitation programs for the convicted individuals, with regular reports on their behavior and commitment.
