By Abdinasir Mohamed, editor in-chief

MOGADISHU (Sunatimes) A court in the United States has on Wednesday rejected a request by the former Somalia’s vice president, in regard to lawsuit filed against him in for alleged war crimes he committed in Somalia last functioning government of late Siad Barre that was overthrown on 1991.

General Mohamed Ali Samatar was the defence minister and vice president.

He asked the U.S government to block attempts to have him brought against him, citing diplomatic immunity as a former senior official in the Somali government. He has been accused of committing various crimes, mainly torture in several Regions in Somalia.

He stated the U.S to respect the diplomatic immunity and political asylum he has been granted in the super power country.

His request has been discarded by the U.S court has, saying he should be put on trial for ordering the massacre of so many Somalis which was carried out under his command.

The decision by the US court has been hailed by many who had earlier filed the case against the former general of the Somali armed forces who was also once a vice president.

General Samatar has solemnly condemned the court's decision. His lawyers say the court's ruling is irrelevant.

The verdict by the US court paves the way for more lawsuits against ex-officials who were indicted of committing war crimes in Somalia on 1990s.

SOURCE: SUNATIMES

Email: [email protected]