Yemen hands down death sentences to 11 bandits

Yemen hands down death sentences to 11 bandits

Fuad Rajeh

MUKALLA, Feb 21, 2011– The Specialized Penal Court in Hadramout on Monday handed down death sentences to 11 Yemeni people and a 10-year jail term to another one.

The verdict came after the group had been convicted of forming an armed group to commit banditry, loot and attack public and private money transport vehicles and launch attacks against oil, gas and trade companies.

Furthermore, the court acquitted another member for lack of evidence, as it committed the convicts to return a car they had previously attacked and looted machines and other properties inside.

The convicts were also ordered to pay $ 50400 in compensations for the owner of the car, al Hashidi Company, and $ 2500 for lawyers.

In addition, the court ruled to confiscate two cars and weapons the group used in committing crimes.

The group members were arrested in October 2009.