Hargeisa (SD) – Somaliland’s Human Rights Center has issued an statement today about “disturbing” arrests of civilians in recent weeks.

“Human rights center is disturbed with the arrest of journalist Abdifatah mohamed Abdi in Lasanod, who works with Holhol media. He was arrested 24/10/2021 along with four traditional elders, Yusuf Ahmed Handule, Mustafa Aden Gale, Farahdeer Garad Ismail Duale, and Mohammed Awad Baruud. The journalist was arrested for videotaping the four traditional elders were supporting a parliamentarian candidate in Somalia. They have not been charged with an offense and have transferred to them in Hargeisa and Mandhera. They are currently still detained.” HRC’s statement said.

Adding “Repression and Silence is not just. This arbitrary arrest is against the constitution of Somaliland, in particular article 32 (1) which grants freedom of speech to citizens. Furthermore, article 25 (2) stipulates that “no one’s right to freedom shall not be taken without cause.”

The Somaliland Human Rights Center’s issued statement raised an alarm over the arrest of Said Mohamoud Gahayr’s arrest.

“HRC is also concerned with the ongoing campaign against social activist and poet Saeed Mohamoud Gahayr. Saeed was previously arrested for freedom of expression. Presently, he was arrested 24/10/2021 on the orders of the Minister of the Ministry of Education, Ahmed Mohammed Diriye, as family members told HRC.” HRC’s statement said.

The Somaliland Human Rights Center’s statement called on the Somaliland government to immediately release of the journalist, the traditional elders and Saeed Mohamed Gahayr.

“The Human Rights Center urges the Somaliland Government to stop arbitrary arrests and detentions, further more exacerbated by power abuse by officials. The Human Rights Center calls for the immediate release of the journalist, the traditional elders and Saeed Mohamed Gahayr. Somaliland government should respect and adhere to the laws governing the country accordingly, and specifically to the Constitution of Somaliland.”