Hargeisa(SD)-The Somaliland Rapid Response unit (RRU) arrested after they raided the home of Abdiqani Ahmed Abdullahi(Aspro), the editor in chief of Hadhwanaagnews, last night in the Sinai neighborhood of Hargeisa.

The arrest of the editor of Hadhwanaagnews, terrorized and shocked the residents of the area, seeing a large contingent detain a citizen they knew in the neighborhood who did not deserve the treatment and intimidation they were witnessing.

The arrest was ordered by Bank Governor Ali Baghdadi, who has been building two major hotels in Hargeisa with questionable funds as reported by Hadhwanaag news.

The Somaliland Journalists Association (SOLJA), Somaliland Lawyers Association (SOLLA), and the International Human Rights and Media Organizations have all condemned the arrest of journalist Abdiqani Aspro.

The arrest was carried out without due process, legal counsel or proper warrant.

The treatment of journalist as though they were terrorist damages Somaliland’s democratic claim.

It is not the first time that a local media operating in Somaliland have been treated this way, especially since President Muse Bihi Abdi, who has been described as a military dictator has been arresting a wide variety of journalists and denying them due process.

Hargeisa Regional Court had started hearing alleged defamation charge  by Somaliland Bank Governor Ali Baghdadi, following a corruption report by Hadhwanaag news.

Ali Baghdadi then decided to abandon the legal process, only to use the UK funded RRU for arresting journalist Abdiqani Aspro.