Some 28 people handed up to 21 years rigorous imprisonment for trying to establish Islamic State

Addis Ababa, March 10, 2016 (FBC) – Some 28 defendants were handed rigorous imprisonment from 4-21 years for trying to establish an Islamic State, being leaders and members of al-Qaeda’s Al-Shabab East Africa terrorist network.
They were active to create a terror front in East Africa in partnership with al-Qaeda and Al-Shabab, groups designated as terrorist organizations globaly and by the House of people’s Representatives of Ethiopia, the charges filed against them indicated.

After receiving terror training since 2003, they joined al-Qaeda’s Al-Shabab terrorist group in Somalia after three years in 2006.

They fought alongside Al-Shabab in various parts of Somalia as well as have been fighting against African Union Mission to Somalia (AMISOM).

They have been plotting a terrorist attack since 2011 EC under the banner “Harektul Shebabel Mujahdin Fi Bildel” and by creating contact with various individual and terror groups at home and abroad.

The defendants were unable to defend themselves.

Hence, the Federal High Court 19th Criminal Bench sentenced the defendants from four and 10 months up to 21 years in prison.