Somali man faces torture, kidnapping charges in trial in Italy

AGRIGENTO, Italy (SLPOST) The trial of a Somali man, accused of helping overcrowd a migrant vessel that sank in October, killing 366 people, began Friday in Agrigento, Italy, Friday.

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The trial of Mouhamud Muhidin, 34 — charged with kidnapping, conspiracy to aid illegal immigration, human trafficking and sexual violence — was adjourned shortly after it began Friday, the Italian news agency ANSA reported.

Prosecutors are relying on testimony of seven Eritrean survivors of the vessel’s sinking, who say they were tortured, imprisoned and threatened by a gang that included Muhidin. The witnesses also said they saw women raped.

Authorities said Muhidin was nearly lynched when he was recognized within a migrants’ holding center.

Survivors previously said they were taken hostage on the border between Libya and Chad and tortured until relatives paid ransoms. The prisoners were then allegedly taken to Tripoli, Libya, and housed until more ransoms were paid, after which they were taken to the ship that sank in the Mediterranean Sea off the coast of Lampedusa, Italy.

Somalilandpost.net

Hargeysa/Somaliland

Kadar Kaariye https://somalilandpost.news

Founder & Editor-in-Chief | Somalilandpost News Kadar Kaariye is a Somaliland journalist, media entrepreneur, and the Founder and Editor-in-Chief of Somalilandpost News, an independent bilingual digital news organization established in August 2011. Since its launch, Somalilandpost News has grown into one of Somaliland's recognized online news platforms, providing comprehensive coverage of politics, diplomacy, governance, business, security, and regional affairs across Somaliland, the Horn of Africa, and the wider international community. With more than a decade of experience in digital journalism, Kaariye has overseen the editorial direction and strategic development of the publication, emphasizing factual reporting, balanced analysis, and timely coverage of major political and socio-economic developments. Under his leadership, Somalilandpost News publishes news and feature stories in both English and Somali, serving readers within Somaliland and the global Somali diaspora. As Editor-in-Chief, Kaariye manages editorial policy, newsroom operations, investigative reporting, and multimedia publishing while maintaining professional journalistic standards and editorial independence. His work has focused extensively on Somaliland's democratic development, foreign relations, regional security, economic affairs, and international recognition efforts. In addition to leading Somalilandpost News, Kaariye has contributed to the advancement of digital media by expanding the organization's online presence across multiple platforms and strengthening its role as a trusted source of breaking news, in-depth analysis, and public-interest journalism. EMAIL: kaariye@somalilandpost.news Headquarters: Hargeisa, Somaliland

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