By: Yusuf M Hasan
HARGEISA (Somalilandsun) – The Criminal Investigation Department is holding the chairman of Somaliland Human Rights Centre-HRC.
Guleid Ahmed Jama who is also a lawyer was arrested within the Hargeisa regional courts precinct while engaged in regular work at around 9.am
According to a statement from HRC the youthful lawyer was arrested under directives issued by the Hargeisa Regional Court Magistrate.
While vehemently condemning the arrest the HRC said that police acted contrary to article 25 of the Somaliland constitution which stipulates a signed warrant before any detention.
Though law enforcers are yet to disclose reasons behind the activists arrest speculation is rife that a recent interview the HRC boss had with BBC Somali service on the execution of six murder convicts in Mandera prison is the cause.
Since inception of his HRC Guleid Ahmed Jama has persistently lime lighted the administration’s Human rights violations and the BBC interview seems to an excuse to punish him.
On the other hand while the government has the constitutional mandate of upholding the law thus legal to arrest, interrogate and prosecute but this arrest bodes ill especially at this particular time when the international community is up at arms with it, administration, as per the six executions.
It is therefore imperative that the Human rights activist be released immediately and unconditionally.
More details on this issue can be accessed from
Ahmed Hussein Abdi
Human Rights Center
Hargeisa Somaliland
Shakuur87@hotmail.com
