Western Resistance: Somalia: Islamic Courts Attack the Powerless

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October 20, 2005

Somalia: Islamic Courts Attack the Powerless

We recently brought you the story of the Islamic militias, sent by an Islamic Court to ransack a film-editing studio, which translated videos of Indian Bollywood films into Somali versions. These were deemed "un-Islamic" by the Islamic Court.

Now, a report from SomaliNet describes the wider abuses of the Islamic courts, who have been especially active in the holy month of Ramadan. They have attacked makeshift cinemas and sports bars. No-one can watch soccer games in some parts of the country, as the Islamic courrts have banned the bars where they watched their games.

Despite these "religious enforcements", residents in Mogadishu are finding numerous roadblocks, where extortion demands are made upon travelers, and armed bandits roam about the city in broad daylight. Yet these activities are ignored while the Islamic courts harass cafes, sports bars and movie theaters, because these are considered more sinful and "anti-sharia".

Mr. Sharif Ali who visited Mogadishu prisons told SomaliNet that all courts are trying to minimize conflicts between armed tribes by not interfering with crimes committed by members of armed tribes. As a result, unarmed tribes like Banadiri and Maymay often receive harsh punches from these self-proclaimed Islamic courts. However, courts sympathizers say that's not the case and believe courts are doing whatever they can in order to keep their jurisdictions safe.

The picture above is by popular Somali artist Amin Amir, showing his view of how the Islamic courts are attacking defenceless businesses. The slogan on the battlewagon reads "Islamic Courts" in Somali.

Posted by Giraldus Cambrensis at October 20, 2005 8:16 AM