HARGEISA (SD) – An opposition led rally in support of Somaliland’s democracy in Hargeisa today turned violent after plain clothed and British funded police unit attacked protesters.

Waddani party chairman Hirsi Ali Haji Hassan confirmed about 10 people, including lawmakers Barkhad Jama Batun, and Hussein Aden Abdi, also secretary Mohamed Sadiq Dhame, secretary Awil Galaydh and deputy secretary Aftah Said Jambir, were among the wounded as police fired live ammunition at prodemocracy demonstrators.

Hirsi also said that several officials are in police custody, including MP Saleban Food, former Minister of information Abdillahi Cukuse, Wadani Home Affairs Secretary Mohamed Farah Abdi, and UCID Information Secretary Yusuf Kayse Abdillahi, confirming they have been arrested and tortured.

Wadani party presidential candidate Abdirahman Mohamed Abdillahi Irro said today’s rally was meant as training for their supporters but will hold a full rally on Saturday.

The Somaliland government, which has canceled the country’s upcoming presidential election, has vowed never to allow rallies, placing the police on high alert after the opposition and the government disagreed over the country’s elections.