By Abdi Sheikh
Monday, August 10, 2009

Residents in Marka say al Shabaab has been rounding up anyone seen with a silver or gold tooth and taking them to a masked man who then rips them out using basic tools.

"I never thought al Shabaab would see my denture as a sin. They took me to their station and removed my silver tooth," resident Bashir told Reuters.

"In the station, I met several men and women whose dentures were being pulled out by a masked man they called a doctor. The doctor used a pincer or his gloved hand depending on the strength of the tooth," Bashir said.

"As you smile your silver tooth accuses you. I was at a counter with my friend when three armed al Shabaab ordered me to follow them," he added. "I am afraid they want to make money from taking all this precious metal."

Al Shabaab officials declined to comment.

The Islamist group says the gold and silver teeth are used for fashion and beauty, which is against strict interpretations of Islam, residents told Reuters.

Al Shabaab, which means "Youth" in Arabic, is an al Qaeda-inspired militant group that has taken control of large swathes of south and central Somalia.

The group's hardline interpretation of Islamic law has shocked many Somalis, who are traditionally more moderate Muslims. Some residents, however, give the insurgents credit for restoring order to the regions under their control.

In June, al Shabaab officials in one of the group's Mogadishu strongholds ordered four teenagers to each have a hand and a foot cut off as punishments for robbery. (Writing by Jeremy Clarke; Editing by Alison Williams).

Source: Reuters, Aug 10, 2009

Mahiigaan @ 8/14/2009 1:21 PM EST  you see you are still lying freak, I have never compare Nabi Mohamed and Maxamed Siyaad. I cannot believe you freak  neither apoligies nor rescinded the very lie you made up from me at this very page, yet you go out again and lie some more you are retarded creep.

saba @ 8/13/2009 5:11 PM EST   And yes i did request from you once that YOU TAKE back the COMPARISON you made of NABI MAXAMAD scw and MAXAMAD SIYAD. I and Biyokulule requested that from you. And you FAILED TO DO THAT. You can console yourself for not being the only Confused fella in Somli society, you are in the MAJORITY actually.

saba @ 8/13/2009 5:08 PM EST   I wouldn*t mind haddaad cayso Alsunna-waljamaaca. I would have welcomed, not challenged. For that reason one would know that you are one CONFUSED fella.

Mahiigaan @ 8/13/2009 4:10 PM EST  Saba, waxaa la yaabey, bal asararka aad i asaariso, iyada oo waxaan qorey wali meesha ku qoran tahay! waxaan qorey: waligeey meel ka khaniis badan ma arag adiguna waxaan u badashey "marka oo dhan waa wada qaniis" waa saad maalin hore uga hadliney sufism ee igu badashey ahlu suna wal jamaaca inaan caayey, Ahlu Suna wal Jamaca waxay isug yeeraba  waligey somali website ka hor arag, waxna kama sheegin. beenta aad dadka ku soo hor taagan ka sheegeysid iska dhaaf. Your argument is really primitive how old are you? there you go again, who are "we" wa bilaahi tawfiiq macneeheeda ma taqaan? and who are we again? Muslims? BTW, I am really proud to be somali even and odd one at that, I would never want to be any other thing but Somali for life! take care beenleey waaxid

saba @ 8/12/2009 7:22 PM EST   Adiguu ahaa qofka qoray Marka oo dhan waa wada qaniis oo duruuc iyo dhar dumar bay xirtaan. Waana isla adiga qofka leh Soomaali yaan la kala qaybin. Reconcile those thoughts, a little Prozak will help. And the FINAL TOUCH "Nacalatullah calal yahuud" ma waxay badashay Wabillaahi tawfiiqdii aad qori jirteen. You are an odd one my freind, indeed a genuine Somali i must admit.