Nazir Mo’fazad and his crew should face the death penalty and not a lighter sentence of life in prison, a jury said Wednesday. State prosecutors from the Ministry of Justice had been seeking the death penalty for illegal smuggling linked to the captured crewmen, charging them with transporting weapons and supplies to Hro’zamal and thus enabling remaining rebel cells to continue their futile fight against allied forces. They were also accused of profiteering off the transport and sale of exotic creatures native to Hro’zamal.
Just moments after the jury had handed down it’s verdict, Senior Magistrate Muzaam Falal summarily sentenced Captain Mo’fazad and his crew to execution by firing squad for their crimes against the state. He and his co-defendants were found guilty last week, which led to the sentencing phase of the trial today. Captain Mo’fazad was reportedly stunned by the sentencing, and collapsed into his chair in shock when the verdict was read aloud.
Captain Mo’fazad’s defense team declined to be interviewed by our reporters. During the trial, Mo’fazad’s lead lawyer claimed that his troubled upbringing - in which his mother and sister were killed in a Republican offensive - left him without the maturity and loyalty that a citizen of the Republic demands. However, State prosecutor Hakim Ch’url painted a much darker picture of the accused, laying full bear the severity of his actions - both against the State, and our citizens. One where the disgraced Captain raped and pillaged and stole to carve out his wretched path with no concern for the consequences of his actions.
Representatives for the Ministry of Justice had this to say when asked about the recent uptick in arrests and sentencing for smugglers operating in Hro’zamal’s vicinity:
“Clearly, the only way these pirates and lawbreakers will see the error of their ways is with the harsh penalties imposed by a court of law. Hro’zamal is trying to recover after being so thoroughly pillaged by these misguided rebels. Now, opportunists are trying to profit off of the suffering of our hard-working colonists. This sort of criminal behavior will not be tolerated. Hopefully these strong sentences will remind our fellow Tajara of the gravity of the crimes they commit. With Biesel’s inability to secure these wretched criminals in their own space, now more than ever the Republic needs to forcefully show how we deal with their kind.”
Their executions have not been postponed while the defense team appeals the decision. The Ministry of Justice has asked us to remind citizens that some of Captain Mo’fazad’s crew are still at large after escaping a boarding attempt by the Kosmostrelki. Be on the lookout for Arif Mrrazhughran, Aleksandra Mrrzauraugh and Ruhan Mroven, last spotted in port on the borders of the Srand’marr system. Concerned citizens may find their photos and further information on the Republic’s Most Wanted holonet site.