Elders refuse to transfer gang-rape case to Galkayo court, accused of shielding rapists

Hiiraan Online
Sunday January 22, 2017

Local elders in Galdogob have refused to transfer the 'Galdogob six' to a Galkayo court to face trial

Galkayo (HOL) - Elders from Puntland's Galdogob town have overwhelmingly rejected the transfer of a controversial gang-rape case to a Mudug regional court in Galkayo, insisting that the case be heard in a Goldogob court.

The brutal attack which was caught on tape and shared online shocked the Somali and international community and has drawn international condemnation.

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A local official who spoke with HOL on condition of anonymity has said that there have been several meetings in recent weeks between elders, scholars and the rapist's families that have not yielded any resolution. He also added that the members of perpetrators' clan fear that they will receive harsh punishment if the case is moved to a Galkayo court, which is the main reason why the elders refuse to extradite the six men.

Local clerics have proposed that the men be flogged and compensate the victim but many say the severity of the case, as well as the international condemnation, warrant a much more serious punishment than a lashing. The victim was hospitalized for a month for treatment to serious injuries following the violent attack.

The men are currently incarcerated in a Galdogob jail as their case is being discussed. Locals report that police have heightened security around the jail to thwart any attempts to forcibly free the men.

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