MOGADISHU (SD) – Al-Shabaab militant group has executed an octogenarian man accused of blasphemy in in central Somalia, the militant court confirmed on Thursday.

In a statement, Al-Shabaab court claimed that it has executed Hassan Tohow Fidow for allegedly insulting the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH).

Al-Shabaab media says the man was executed on Wednesday by firing squad outside Elbur town.

The court said the man confessed to insulting the prophet in Hindhere village in Galgaduud region.

The judge said anyone who insults the Prophet Muhammad or Allah will face a punishment of death.

The group did not give further details about the alleged insult.

Al-Shabaab, an al-Qaeda affiliate group, has been trying since 2006 to overthrow the Somali government.

The group carries out deadly raids on bases of Somali military and African Union Mission in Somalia (Amisom).

Al-Shabaab which once was in control of large swarth territories in south and central Somalia including the capital was lost many towns to Somali military following days long fighting with allied forces of Somali government and African Union.

The group lost the capital in 2011 after Somali military drove its fighters out the town.

In a recent a statement, the group threatened to disrupt the parliamentary and presidential elections in Somalia by vowing to kill anyone who take part in the voting.

The country’s presidential election is expected to place in October this year.