Due to various interpretations of Quranic Law in Somalia by differing courts, the Council of Islamic Courts set up an appeals court with better educated judges to come up with a basic ruling as to what Quranic Law stipulates.
The decision is in and the verdict is being broadcast over loudspeakers in at least one small town where, presumably, people were not praying the required five times a day. It will be implemented effective today:
Those who do not follow this edict "will definitely be beheaded according to Islamic law," Rage told The Associated Press by phone. "As Muslims, we should practice Islam fully, not in part, and that is what our religion enjoins us to do."
Additionally, all businesses must close and women are not permitted to swim. I imagine they don't want them befouling the ocean. Good morning Mogadishu!
Public places such as shops and tea houses in Bulo Burto, about 124 miles northeast of the capital, Mogadishu, should be closed during prayer time and no one should be on the streets, said Sheik Hussein Barre Rage, the chairman of the town's Islamic court.
Their sometimes strict and often severe interpretation of Islam has raised the specter of Afghanistan's ousted Taliban regime, and contrasts with the moderate Islam that has dominated Somali culture for centuries.
Some of the courts have introduced public executions, floggings of convicts, bans on women swimming at Mogadishu's public beaches, and the sale and chewing of khat, a leafy stimulant consumed across the Horn of Africa and in the Middle East.
"told The Associated Press by phone"
The story is probably fake.
Posted by: Purple Avenger | Wednesday, December 06, 2006 at 12:37 PM