Somalilandsun: Excessive use of force by police on protestors, is against. all tenets enshrined in Human rights.
This is according to the Human Rights Centre -HRC in a statement condemning violence perpetrated upon Somaliland citizens by police during pro democracy demonstrations organized by opposition parties coalition of Wadani and UCID in Hargeisa.
Some of those nursing bullet wounds Include a Member of Parliament and a senior Wadani party official while several other MPs, Politicians and journalists wee arrested and still in custody .
The HRC statement read
Quote– During the demonstrations police were observed firing live bullets at the people protesting against plans to scuttle Somaliland presidential elections slated for 13th November this year.
Other forms of police violence observed on the fateful 9th June day was a senior elite force commander clobbering a female protester senseless and attempts on the live of Wadani party presidential candidate Abdirahman Mohamed Abdilahi Irro
On June 9th, 2022, there was a clash between government officials and demonstrators from the opposition party and civilians in Hargeisa. Somaliland authorities created an unprecedented action that transgressed against democracy and human rights. It is unfortunate that a fundamental right enshrined in the constitution of Somaliland has been ignored and trampled on by the police and officials. Excessive use of force by police on protestors, gunshot wounds on members of parliament, arbitrary arrests of members of parliament, and an unwarranted beating of a civilian, Nimco Mohammed, by the deputy commander of the Birmad section of the Somaliland police force, Khadar Mohamoud Abdillahi Ibrahim. We request an investigation on the reason for the brutal act by such a high ranking official in the police force to ensure accountability has taken place and responsible party has been held accountable for this action.
Apart from the brutal acts committed by police officers, a journalist, Hamza Geele, has been arrested and detained while covering the demonstration. The Human Rights Centre would like to reiterate our stance of state violence against citizens. We condemn all forms of violence against citizens and are urging Somaliland officials to exercise caution and recognize their duty is to protect and serve the citizens of Somaliland. Their priority should be the safety and security of citizens, rather than quelching demonstrations and protests, which they have a right to exercise as it is protected and guaranteed by the constitution. We are saddened that such brutal acts occurred on behalf of the police. As such events might occur, we would like to remind Somaliland government, officials, and police to end the unlawful use of force against the demonstrators and prevent further violence at such activities, by de-escalating the situation rather than being involved in inciting violence against citizens.
The Human Rights Center will be keeping an eye on the situation in the country and condemn any further violence and report on our findings. We are hopeful that a solution will be found between the opposition parties and the government.
Yasmin Omar H. Mohamoud
Chairperson of the Human Rights Center
Hargeisa Somaliland
hrcsomaliland@gmail.com
Twitter: @hrcsomaliland
