Somali Islamist insurgents behead 7 people

[July 10, 2009]  MOGADISHU, Somalia (AP) -- Somali Islamist insurgent fighters have beheaded seven people accused of espionage and abandoning their religion, residents said Friday.

The execution in a southwestern town was the largest mass beheading since the Islamists were chased from power two and a half years ago.

Hawa, sister of one of the victims, said she was waiting at the police station with relatives of other victims for the bodies to be delivered. She said she was told by officials of the al-Shabab militia that the seven had been accused of either renouncing the Islamic religion or spying for the transitional government. Hawa asked that her last name be withheld to protect her from reprisals.

Resident Madey Doyow said he saw seven headless bodies in a truck on Friday in the southwest town of Baidoa, being guarded by militia members.

[Associated Press]

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