Hargeisa (SD) – The Ministry of Justice in implementing Somaliland Article 27, Paragraph 8, of which states that imprisonment is not a punishment but a bout rehabilitation, has recently been providing educational services in the country’s prisons.

The Somaliland Ministry of Justice, in collaboration with Beder International University, has assisted 132 inmates from graduating of various faculties, and including inmate students who achieved university diplomas in sharia law and education.

The students include 21 students who have been trained in as electricians and plumbing, and who have demonstrated the skills they have learned.

The graduation ceremony, which took place at Hargeisa Prison this morning, was attended by Minister of Justice Mustafe Mohamed Ali Bile, Minister of Education and Science Ahmed Mohamed Diriye (Torno), Minister of Religion and Endowments Sheikh Khalid Abdillahi Ahmed, and Chairman of the National Human Rights Commission Mohamed Barud. Ali, the Attorney General, the Commander of the Corrections Force, officials and numerous other dignitaries, and UNODC.

All the officials and teachers who attended the ceremony advised the students to be part of the rehabilitation and education of their fellow prisoners, and to raise awareness of criminal activities in the community.

The Minister of Justice and other officials jointly presented certificates and gifts to the inmates who completed the various studies at Hargeisa Prison.