MOGADISHU, Somalia (3/10/2009) - Four youths were publicly whipped in the Somali capital on Monday after an Islamic court found them guilty of gang rape in a demonstration of the government's inability to administer justice in the chaotic, war-ravaged nation.
Despite judge Abdul Haq's insistence that the punishment would deter other rapes, the lashing was administered through the clothes of the accused and did not to break their skin. Two of the youths smiled and laughed as they were punished.
Haq designated four men to deliver the punishment immediately in front of a crowd of around 100 onlookers.
"These boys deserve this punishment," said clan elder Suldan Ali. "This way other people will not do their evil deed."
Fifteen-year-old Abdulkhadir Mohamed said he admitted his guilt and welcomed the punishment.
He and a friend stared at the ground as the punishment was being delivered but the other two youths laughed.
Last October the courts sentenced a 13-year-old rape victim to death by stoning in the southern city of Kismayo in front of 1,000 spectators.
Despite judge Abdul Haq's insistence that the punishment would deter other rapes, the lashing was administered through the clothes of the accused and did not to break their skin. Two of the youths smiled and laughed as they were punished.
Haq designated four men to deliver the punishment immediately in front of a crowd of around 100 onlookers.
"These boys deserve this punishment," said clan elder Suldan Ali. "This way other people will not do their evil deed."
Fifteen-year-old Abdulkhadir Mohamed said he admitted his guilt and welcomed the punishment.
He and a friend stared at the ground as the punishment was being delivered but the other two youths laughed.
Last October the courts sentenced a 13-year-old rape victim to death by stoning in the southern city of Kismayo in front of 1,000 spectators.
Source: AP
H/T: Weasel Zippers
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