Somalia Al Shabab Fights Back Against 'War Crimes' Allegations

Abu Mansoor, a leader of Al-Shabaab, the leading guerrilla movement fighting the US-backed occupation of Somalia. He has denied any rumors of internal conflict within the movement. He says these are enemy lies., a photo by Pan-African News Wire File Photos on Flickr.

Thursday, April 18th, 2013 at 05:49 pm

SOMALIA: Al Shabab fights back against “war crimes” allegations

By Abdalle Ahmed

Barawe (RBC)-- A militant group in Somalia, Al Shabab has rejected that it committed war crimes in Somalia after killing 30 more people in a raid on Mogadishu main courts building on Sunday, RBC Radio reports.

The Human Rights Watch alleged the extremist group for committing war crimes in Somalia after deliberate attacks on civilians or civilian objects. Human Rights Watch also said that people who order or commit deliberate attacks on civilians are responsible for war crimes.

Al Shabab spokesman, Ali Mohamud Rage who was speaking to pro-al Shabab radio in Barawe town southern Somalia said that they do not recognize Human Rights Watch and its reports. He said the agency defends the interest of the western governments.

“They always make propaganda for the western invaders in Muslim lands. They don’t tell about the Muslims killed in western countries.” Ali Dhere said.

“Even when the African troops were shelling Mogadishu civilians they did not release any reports and why they are now crying is the pain they feel after we targeted the apostates who serve for the non-Muslims.” Al Shabab spokesman added.

He blamed the judiciary officials of Somalia courts were using anti Sharia articles.

The Human Rights Watch said that Al-Shabaab’s attacks on a courthouse and aid workers’ convoy show utter disregard for civilian life. “The laws of war protect all civilians and civilian buildings from attack, and courthouses are no exception.” The Human Rights Watch said in its statement this week.

“The laws of war, which are applicable in Somalia, protect civilians and civilian objects from deliberate attack. Government buildings, such as courthouses, that are not being used for military purposes are protected civilian objects. Aid workers are also protected as civilians. People who order or commit deliberate attacks on civilians or civilian objects are responsible for war crimes, Human Rights Watch said.

The Sunday’s assault which Al Shabab took its responsibility was described as the worst in recent months and has met both national and international condemnation.

Among those killed when the assailants opened fire inside the court complex were two respected Somali lawyers Professor Mohamed Mohamud Afrah and Abdikarin Hassan Gorod and a journalist.

RBC Radio