In a book recital with a difference, Somalian children had their chance to win an AK47 assault rifle, hand grenades, and money, in a competition to recite the Koran and answer general knowledge questions.
Andulus Radio, based near Mogadishu, and ran by the al-Shabab Islamic group, has ran the contest for several years running, and the contestants were chosen during district competitions held during Ramadan.
Entrants are aged 10-17, and were told by an al-Shabab official that "Youths should use one hand for education and the other for a gun to defend Islam".
In previous years prizes awarded have included a rocket propelled grenade launcher (RPG), and winners are also awarded copies of religious books.
Al-Shabab controls much of central and south Somalia, and has restricted the access of many aid groups to areas heavily afflicted by drought.
A ten year old rewarded with a couple hand grenades and an assault rifle for reciting the Koran, how civilised.
Religion of Peace eh?
In a book recital with a difference, Somalian children had their chance to win an AK47 assault rifle, hand grenades, and money, in a competition to recite the Koran and answer general knowledge questions.
