"The application of punishment is a matter for the legitimate state

"The application of punishment is a matter for the legitimate state, and is not the right of any group, whether it elects to implement the death penalty or implements the hudud provisions," said Sheikh Abdulqadir Somow, spokesman for the Supreme Council of Ahlu Sunna Wal Jamaa scholars, part of the Federation of Sufi Orders in Somalia. Sheikh Somow said Al-Shabaab has committed crimes and murder against innocent civilians under the guise of spying charges. He said there is disagreement among Islamic jurists about judgments against people convicted of spying, but killing them is not endorsed by Islamic law. "This group has committed more than a crime, and if you look at the way in which it is killing people, its actions have no legal cover, but are contrary to Islamic law," he told Sabahi. "The Al-Shabaab group is seeking to terrorise Somali citizens with these rulings." Somalis have been shocked by the movement's strict interpretation of Islamic law. The movement decapitated several people on charges of being Christians, spies or apostates of Islam. After the victims are executed, Al-Shabaab members bury them in sites called "the infidels' cemeteries", residents of areas formerly occupied by al-Shabaab said.