Sanaa:The Specialized First Instance Criminal Court in Sanaa has reserved its 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 presided over by Judge Abdullah Al-Hamzi, the prosecution, represented by Judge Mujahid Al-Shabibi, expressed satisfaction with its responses to the jurisdiction challenge. The prosecution argued that the alleged crimes, including involvement in an armed gang attacking citizens and disturbing public peace, fall under the specialized criminal courts' jurisdiction due to their impact on state security and public danger. However, the defendants maintained their challenge to the court's jurisdiction.
In a separate session, the court delivered a verdict in a case involving participation in an armed gang linked to Al-Qaeda and ISIS. Sari Zafar Ahmed was convicted and sentenced to six years in prison from the date of his arrest. Post-release, Ahmed will be under surveillance for three years, restricted to his residence, and required to pledge good conduct. He must also provide a financial guarantee of three million riyals, which will be forfeited if he commits a similar offense during the surveillance period.
The court mandated that Ahmed undergo rehabilitation programs during his sentence, with regular progress reports submitted to the court. Additionally, media outlets were instructed to create programs highlighting the dangers of extremist organizations to prevent youth involvement.
In another ruling, nine defendants were convicted of receiving, transporting, and delivering hashish without intent to trade and sentenced to five years in prison. The court ordered the confiscation of a 2008 Kia vehicle and other items used in the crime. The convicted individuals are also required to participate in rehabilitation programs, with their progress reported to the court every three months.
