Somalilandsun- Somaliland government should immediately release two detained opposition politicians, Human Rights Centre said today in a press release.
On 11th April the police arrested Mohamed Sidiiq Dhame, the Youth Wing leader of Waddani opposition party, and Yonis Ahmed Yonis, the Sports Secretary of Waddani, from the regional office of the party in Hargeisa.
Today, a judge at Hargeisa regional court remanded them seven days into custody. They are charged of anti-national propaganda, and association for purpose of committing crimes, according to the initial charges submitted to the court.
On 11th April, the local government in Hargeisa demolished perimeter fences of houses in one of the streets in the centre of Hargeisa. The residents demonstrated against the demolitions. The two jailed politicians accused the government for the demolition of the perimeter fences.
The opposition blamed the local government of demolishing the fences to make a way for access to a hotel allegedly owned by the First Lady. The mayor of Hargeisa speaking to the media denied the allegations and said the demolitions were routine municipality work not intended for the hotel.
“We are very concerned about the detentions of critical voices. Currently Abdirahman Arab Daud, a journalist with Hangool News website, is in detention for article published in the website accusing the police commissionaire of clannism and nepotism,” Guleid Ahmed Jama, the chairperson of Human Rights Centre said.
Human Rights Centre calls on the government of Somaliland to release the detained politicians and journalist Abdirahman Arab Daud.
Guleid Ahmed Jama
Chairperson of Human Rights Centre
Mobile: +252759283208
Email: chair@hrcsomaliland.org
