Bargal (KAAB TV) – The Puntland State of Somalia has sentenced Somali and foreign nationals accused of illegal fishing and unauthorized entry into Puntland’s territorial waters.
The First Instance Court of Bari delivered its verdict on Saturday, following charges filed by the Puntland Office of the Attorney General against 18 defendants – 15 Iranians and three Somalis.
The charges included corruption, endangering state security, violation of territorial waters, and illegal fishing.
The accused were apprehended on 6 October by Puntland’s Coastal Tax Enforcement Unit.
Court Rulings:
- Abdulqadir Mohamed Farah and Omar Mohamed Ahmed were each sentenced to three years’ imprisonment and fined $2,000.
- Sadam Abdi Guunyo Adde, who was absent, received a five-year prison sentence and a $5,000 fine.
- Fifteen Iranian nationals were fined $500 each.
- The vessel involved was fined $70,000 and confiscated by the Puntland government.
- The court acknowledged the deaths of two crew members during the operation as they were attempting to flee at the time and instructed authorities to coordinate with Iranian diplomatic channels to facilitate repatriation.
The court also noted that the defendants have the right to appeal within 30 days.
This case is part of ongoing efforts by Puntland authorities to enforce maritime laws, protect territorial waters, and curb illegal fishing in the region.