Somali military court sentences six Moroccans to death for alleged ISIS affiliation

A military court in the Somali town of Bosaso sentenced six Moroccan nationals to death on Thursday for alleged membership in «ISIS», according to US state media outlet Voice of America (VOA). The sentences were announced after a trial involving nine foreign nationals accused of terrorism-related charges.

«Six Moroccans convicted of being members of the Islamic State militant group have been sentenced to death», Colonel Ali Ibrahim Osman, deputy chairman of the court, told VOA Somali.

According to Osman, the Moroccan defendants were accused of «training with ISIS at their base in the Cal-Miskaat Mountains in northeastern Somalia». He further claimed they «came to Somalia to support ISIS and destroy and shed blood».

During the trial, the accused Moroccans, along with the other foreign defendants, reportedly stated they were misled about participating in the group's activities and expressed a desire to be deported to their home countries, claiming they had voluntarily surrendered to the Somali security forces.

Osman stated that the court facilitated communication with the defendants' relatives, provided interpreters, and ensured legal representation throughout the proceedings. He added, «After all the court proceedings, including hearings and the presentation of evidence against the men, the court made the sentences. They can take an appeal within 30 days otherwise the sentence will be carried out».

Osman further claimed the Moroccans «admitted membership in ISIS for two years» before the court.