Harsh Sentence for Qaran party leaders

Mandhera, Somaliland, August 25, 2007 (SL Times) – The three Qaran party leaders held in Mandhera prison were convicted by Hargeysa regional court on 20 August 2007 for an array of sedition charges and for illegally forming a political party, according to the prosecution. All three defendants were given a prison sentence of three years and 9 months and a 5 year ban from holding public office.

The three leaders of the Qaran party, Muhammed Abdi Gabose, and his two deputies, Muhammad Hashi Elmi and Jamal Aideed, have been held, since 28 July, in Mandhera prison, near the coastal port city of Berbera. They were charged with "engaging in unauthorized political activities” and “putting the good name of the head of state in disrepute”.

The trial was conducted in Mandhera Police Academy which is located less than 500 meters from where the defendants are held in Mandhera prison.

The defence counsel boycotted the two-day trial because, as they put it, “the Hargeysa regional court has does not have the mandate and the capacity to litigate on matters of constitutional issues, and this case is a matter for the Constitutional and Supreme Court to address”. The defendants added that ‘they had sent to the concerned body their written objections to the case, long before the court trial was scheduled, and that as is the norm, the court judge presiding in this trial, should have cleared with the defence counsel the concerns addressed in their letter to the regional court, prior to the opening of the case and its being tried in court’.

The Hargeysa regional court’s ruling and prison sentence of the Qaran leaders has been widely condemned by the opposition party, Kulmiye, as well as local and international civil organisations.

Source: Somaliland Times

http://somalilandtimes.net/sl/2007/292/3.shtml

Somaliland Mediators End Government & Parliament Deadlock

The arbitration committee delivering their press statement

Hargeysa, August 25, 2007 (SL Times) – A group of prominent S/land figures announced on Monday that they have reconciled the long-standing dispute that divided the executive and the lower house of parliament over the national budget (2007) and the issue of the remaining National Election Commission (NEC) board nominees waiting for parliament’s endorsement.

The group, known as the arbitration committee, took the initiative to resolve the deadlock between the government and parliament as well as the issue concerning the detention and trial of Qaran party leaders.

The nine member committee, composed of poets, clerics, intellectuals and senior academics got the backing of the government and the lower house of parliament chair committee to resolve the deadlock.

They began their mediation efforts in the first week of August, holding extensive talks with the government, the lower house, and the two major political parties (Kulmiye and Ucid). The mediation committee managed to secure a consensus among all the stakeholders to accept a three point accord drawn up by the arbitration group.

This was made public by the arbitration group in a press statement issued on 20/08/07. The press statement said, “having listened, looked at and studied the different points of views and arguments held by the government, the chair committee of the lower house and the opposition, we have reached a three point accord and a set of recommendations which both the government and the lower house chair committee have accepted:

1. That the lower house of parliament will refer the two remaining election commission candidates (nominated by the upper house), to a vote in parliament.

2. That the government accepts to put into practice the endorsed amendments made by the lower house on the national budget 2007.

3. That the government will ‘unconditionally’ release the detained Qaran leaders and remove all restrictions in their movements and to resolve the issue of legitimacy concerning the status of their Qaran party in a civil and legal manner. In addition, the Qaran leaders should not get involved in activities which might endanger the peace and tranquillity of the country.

The arbitration group also addressed the government; a) to submit all treaties and agreements made to date with foreign firms and governments for parliament to ratify, b) that the government should submit on time the annual state audit and its accounts, c) that the government should produce and submit to parliament its political programs and policies, d) and the president should present the constitutional annual speech to parliament, e) all arrests and detentions should be executed according to the tenets of the constitution, f) in general, all state branches should perform and execute their duties within their defined constitutional limits and power.

The prominent group that arbitrated and reconciled the government and the lower house is chaired by the legendary Somali poet, Muhammed Ibrahim Warsame (Hadrawi), and includes Sh. Muhammad Omar Dirir, the great poet Muhammed Hashi Dhama (Gaariye), Sh. Ismail Abdi Hure, Sh. Yusuf Adan Muhammed, Prof Muhammed Saeed Gees, Prof Suleiman Ahmed Guled, Dr. Adan Yusuf Abokor and Saeed Ahmed Muhammud.

Source: Somaliland Times

http://somalilandtimes.net/sl/2007/292/1.shtml

Sanity prevails in Somaliland

EDITORIAL

Just when it seemed as if the crisis in Somaliland would get deeper and deeper, Somalilanders managed to find a way out. It came in the form of a nine-member committee who took the initiative and offered their services to mediate the nasty conflict that had paralyzed political life in the country. Once their offer to mediate was accepted by the main protagonists in the conflict, the committee set out to work without much fanfare, and soon enough they were able to persuade the various sides to accept an agreement composed of three binding clauses and six recommendations.

This was no mean achievement, especially given the advanced stage of hostility and mutual recrimination that was prevalent among the competing actors in this drama.

But like all agreements the real test is in the implementation, and so far the signs are encouraging. Parliament has already taken a step toward meeting its part of the agreement by scheduling a session for August 26, 2007 in which it will vote again on the two previously rejected nominees to the electoral commission.

The president not only accepted the agreement but he also invited the members of the mediating committee for a luncheon the next day as a token of appreciation for their good work. Whether the president is complying or not with the clause regarding the budget will not be immediately clear, and will only be publicly known the next time parliament discusses the issue and facts and figures are examined. The matter of Qaran leaders has two aspects: (a) their release from jail; (b) their political status. Their release from jail is much easier to fulfill since the accord the president reached with the mediation committee amounts to a pardon. But the long-term question of their political status (and that of their party) still remains to be settled.

The committee did not directly address the question of the political status of Qaran leaders or Qaran Party, and rightly so, since that was beyond their writ; however, they did point the way toward a solution. First by restoring to Qaran leaders their political rights, and, second, by saying that the issue which they have raised should be given due consideration once their freedom is restored. In other words, Somaliland’s stakeholders should begin a dialogue about political parties and related constitutional matters.

Given the fact that most of the clauses in the agreement required concessions from the president, some might say that the president lost and his opponents won. But that would be an erroneous reading because it would have been fatal for the president’s political future for the logjam to continue and the date of elections to get nearer and nearer. What the mediation committee did, in effect, is that it gave the president and all the concerned parties a formula for climbing down from their positions without losing face.

A question that is often asked is why did the Gurti fail in mediating this conflict and the mediation committee succeed? Answer: the Gurti were a part of this conflict but the mediation committee was not. No disrespect to the Gurti, but this time they dropped the ball. However, Somaliland is lucky, and when that happens, its other sons, daughters, and institutions pick up the ball, run with it and score. This time it was the turn of Hadrawi, Dirir, Gaarriye, Gees (Academy for Peace and Development) , Suleiman Guleed ( Amoud University), Ismail Hurre, Adan Abokor, Muhammad Adan and Said Mahmud, and they scored big. Three cheers for them

Source: Somaliland Times

http://somalilandtimes.net/sl/2007/292/16.shtml

Letter To The President Of Somaliland

By Hussein Abdi Hussein; Doha-Qatar

Dear Mr. President

I profoundly commend this unrecognized party and its leaders which is not so far legally registered but had begun informal political activities in advance of the local elections expected to be held in December 2007. Sincerely, this was disgraceful not merely on one nation, but on a doctrine of respect of Somaliland constitution cherished by all Somaliland people. I urge the States of Somaliland and its society to irreverently condemn such misdemeanor, to bring to justice those who are responsible, and to prevent its repetition. But in one condition;

Whatever the response to this annoyance, it should not validate any nuisance. Rather, it should uphold the values that came with Somali Landers self proclamation, the principles of a democratic society, the accountability of the government and international law, and merge the requirements of security with the demands of liberty. We should be as vigilant in defense of the Constitution as we are firm in the fight against such crimes. That is the way we differ with the autocratic counties.

There is also a danger that some people may cynically take government act against those perpetrators as ethnic related crisis and of the "Reer Hebel" cause to justify their own internal repression, as we seen now since the day they were arrested, people calls (BAAQ) from abroad seems having a taste of ethnical issues, and expect that the Somaliland government will take accountable task to break its accuracy. The government should send a strong signal to those seeking to join this kind of inspiration, that it (government) will not tolerate oppressive opportunism in the face of this calamity.

Our background is

As we all know, the States of Somaliland has proclaimed its independency half of century earlier and not today. This proclamation comes from indignation endured with our alliance with Somalia, subsequent mistakes and eager to have our own republic and self being, lots of people lost their life and goods for this homeland and we are not today standing by loosing it so quietly. 'The iniquity began from the very start. There was a very disproportionate representation in the Parliament. The capital city became Mogadishu – in the South. The president was a southerner…the prime minister was from the south. So frustration began from the start.' Today things have changed and members of Somaliland's parliament represent all clans, which resolve the issue of division along regional or tribal lines. We have a multi-party constitution approved by referendum, we have our own capital and democratically elected the president, the vice president and peace is a tribute we gained from god and by this we (Somali Landers) are against anyone who'll not meet the terms of our constitution and government. So then we should pin down any perpetrator for his act and their accomplices and avoid harming the international human right but justice should be done.

But let be this first lapse a lesson and let me please ask you Mr. President to a wholehearted release of Mohamed Abdi “Gabose”, Mohamed Hashi Elmi, and Jamal Aideed and the Registration of the Qaran Party for the sake of our Republic. We don’t want these people considered as prisoners of conscience and be detained without charge for a prolonged period or subject to an unfair trial which may have consequences in the future.

May god bless you all.

Hussein Abdi Hussein Dualeh

http://www.somalilandtimes.net/sl/2007/291/25.shtml

Lord Avebury's letter to the UK Foreign Office

Dear Lord Malloch-Brown,

I attach copies of my letter to the President of Somaliland dated August 6, and a note by the East Africa Policy Institute, Democracy challenged in Somaliland. As I’m sure you are aware, the Somaliland government have arrested three distinguished politicians who are said to have broken the law by forming a political association, with the intention of contesting the local elections, and if they do well, of claiming to act as one of the three parties allowed by the constitution, when it comes to the general election. The government appear to be saying that the three existing parties are entitled to remain for all time as the only entities permitted to contest the local elections, and hence that no challenge can ever be made to their exclusive right to participate in the government of the country, but since no charges have been preferred against the detainees or published, the allegations have to be inferred from their statements to the media.

Ever since Somaliland broke away, following the downfall of Siad Barre, friends of the new proto-state here have pointed to the contrast between Somaliland’s maintenance of democracy, human rights and the rule of law, and the anarchy which has prevailed in Somalia. We have tried to help Somaliland towards recognition as an independent state, and I believe this should still be the goal. The obstruction of citizens who want to present a new political agenda by the use of doubtful law is bound to undermine the project, and I request you to express concern on behalf of the UK at the use of detention without charge, denial of access to legal advice, and the proposal to try the detainees in camera in a special court inside the prison. These unlawful processes have already set the cause of Somaliland’s recognition back, and if continued, must inevitably halt progress for the time being. It would be helpful if you were able to underline these points in a message to the authorities in Hargeisa.

Yours sincerely,

Lord Eric Avebury

The trial case of the Veteran Politicians in Mandhera Prison is an Insult to the Constitution of the Republic of Somaliland

Somaliland International Recognition Action Group (S.I.R.A.G)
London , UK
August 15, 2007

To the Guurti, Parliament and Government of Somaliland

The trial case of the Veteran Politicians in Mandhera Prison is an Insult to the Constitution of the Republic of Somaliland which also annuls the outcome of this illegal Case.

SIRAG is shocked to read about the trial of the Veteran Politicians which is about to take place Thursday 16th of August in 2007 in the notorious Mandhera Prison where Said Barre’s dark history still haunts this prison to date. We see this action not only as a violation and an insult to the Constitution of the Republic of Somaliland but we also believe that it annuls any outcomes that will come out of this illegal court case.

SIRAG stands in solidarity with Lord Avebury from the House of Lords who protested against this decision in his letter addressed to the UK Foreign Office dated August 12, 2007 where he said to quote “Ever since Somaliland broke away, following the downfall of Siyad Barre, friends of the new proto-state here have pointed to the contrast between Somaliland’s maintenance of democracy, human rights and the rule of law, and the anarchy which has prevailed in Somalia. We have tried to help Somaliland towards recognition as an independent state, and I believe this should still be the goal. The obstruction of citizens who want to present a new political agenda by the use of doubtful law is bound to undermine the project, and I request you to express concern on behalf of the UK at the use of detention without charge, denial of access to legal advice, and the proposal to try the detainees in camera in a special court inside the prison. These unlawful processes have already set the cause of Somaliland’s recognition back, and if continued, must inevitably halt progress for the time being. It would be helpful if you were able to underline these points in a message to the authorities in Hargeysa.”

Our solidarity also goes to all those organizations in the Diaspora, humanrights organizations, individuals, members of Parliaments and Guurti and the Elders of Somaliland among others that we did not list who protested against the illegal arrests of these veteran politicians.

Our heart appeals to the conscious leaders of Somaliland including the golden leadership of the Elders of Somaliland who have shown the International Community that Somaliland has a friend to rely on in times of crisis. Somaliland is at cross road today and we will not fail to be silent about it. We can not emphasize enough the setbacks that are upon Somaliland’s spirit towards democracy, human rights and its status on abiding by the International Law if this illegal court case is allowed to proceed which will definitely undermine the Constitution of the Republic of Somaliland and our recognition and inspirations towards democracy.

SIRAG believes that the recognition of Somaliland is in crisis and we appeal to the good people of Somaliland to support the spirit of Justice that Somaliland has always been known for. If the trial goes ahead tomorrow and stains the reputation of these politicians, the citizens and leadership of Somaliland would be seen as a country that did not give their infant democracy the chance to walk on its own two feet. The nation of Somaliland have never known for being a failure and we hope we will live up to our status as strong leaders within the International Community.

In solidarity with the peace and justice loving nation of Somaliland citizens and their Elder Leaders.

God Bless Somaliland, Aamiin.

Marwo Lulu Farah
Chair of SIRAG
www.sirag.org.uk

Shuro-Net: Violations Against The Rights Of The Leaders Of The QARAN Political Organization

Hargeysa, Somaliland – 14 August 2007

The national network of human rights organizations SHURO-net is always on standby for the protection and promotion of the basic rights of Somaliland citizens in accordance with the Islamic Sharia, the Somaliland Constitution and the International Resolutions on Human Rights.

The Somaliland national network of human rights organizations keeping a watchful and cautious eye on the human rights situation in general and the unlawful arrest of the leaders of the QARAN political organization in particular, are worried about the Somaliland Government’s continuous and increasing violations of the constitutional rights and freedoms of its citizens.

On Wednesday, officials of the Network (Shuro-net) went to Mandhera Prison; on a fact finding mission organized by the National Commission for Human Rights, and met the detained Mohamed Abdi Gabose, Mohamed Hashi Elmi and Jamal Aideed Ibrahim.

The leaders of the Qaran political organization in Mandhera Prison showed a lot of worries about the country’s current political climate and their arrest though they have not committed any crime. The detainees who were in high spirits described their arrest as against the Somaliland Constitution and the Convention of Universal Human Rights.

The human rights network is conversant that the Government has violated the basic rights of the detainees. This was confirmed by the leaders of the Qaran political organization who told that the Government has not so far informed them of the crimes committed, but has placed restrictions on the detainees’ lawyers and relatives to visit them in prison. Also this has affected negatively the visits of the other prison inmates.

The human rights network is worried about the Government’s treatment of the leaders of the Qaran political organizations as criminals although no court has yet found them guilty of any crime. This is against Article 26 (3) of the Somaliland Constitution, which confirms that every one is innocent until proven guilty by a court of law.

The defenders of human rights confirmed to the leaders of the Qaran political organization that they are always ready for any thing that benefits the Somaliland public, and that they are against acts by the Somaliland Government to discredit and insult any one, which is contrary to Article 24 (3) of the Constitution that says that every one has a right to protection of his dignity, reputation and private life.

The fact finding mission of Shuro-net on the case of the leaders of the Qaran political organization found the Government extended the detention of the prisoners without bringing them before a court or informing them personally. Also the Government violated Article 9 (2) of the international convention of ICCPR, which says that every one arrested has a right to be informed immediately the reason of his arrest and as soon as possible the crime he has committed.

The leaders of the Qaran political organization showed grave worries about the justice system of Somaliland and in particular the judge who is handling their case whom they feel is biased and not neutral.

The human rights network confirms in support of Amnesty International’s report on this case that the accused did not commit any crime deserving their arrest, as no breach of peace and security or public order resulted from their organizational activities that were similar to those of the existing political parties which the Constitution allows and they normally carried out before their registration as political parties.

The human rights network, Shuro-net also condemns the unlawful arrest of Mohamed Abdi Jibril and Akil Abdirahman Awale Ogle who were taken straight to Mandhera Prison on the Hargeysa/Berbera road about 93km north-east of Hargeysa. The illegal Security Committee sent these two elders on 30 July 2007 when they spoke out of the arrest of the leaders of the Qaran political organization. These two detainees have so far not been brought before a court of justice while their relatives are not allowed to visit them in prison as confirmed by members of the network.

The human rights network, Shuro-net is worried about the Somaliland Government’s continuing and increasing violations of human rights in the current political turmoil in the country due to lack of cooperation between the Houses of Parliament, which coupled with the differences caused by the annual budget, the formation of he Electoral Commission and the arrest of the leaders of the Qaran political organization, is causing an unnecessary limbo to the budding democracy in Somaliland.

The human rights network, Shuro-net calls the Government to:

1. Release the leaders of the Qaran political organization and the two elders detained by the Security Committee or if they committed a crime bring them before an independent court of law.

2. Stop the rigid confrontational policy of late and return to the save policy Somaliland followed since it reinstated its independence, which were compromise, understanding, consultation and cooperation.

3. Listen to the public cry to release the leaders of the Qaran political organization and the two elders.

4. Protect the basic human rights of the citizens, and to avoid any unlawful method to lose the leaders of Qaran political organization their right to participate in the coming elections.

5. Create a neutral committee that is independent of the three national councils and the political parties to mediate between the two Houses of Parliament.

6. Expedite the Law of Judiciary and Courts to establish a just and independent justice system.

Finally, we call the Somaliland citizens to support the Government in its endeavor of good progress and development, and to correct its possible mistakes without violating the rule of law and good behavior that the Republic of Somaliland has adopted.

Zamzam Abdi Aden
Chairperson Shuro-net

Mubarak Ibrahim Aar
Executive Director Shuro-net

Source: Shuro-net

Rayale Is Making The Same Mistake The SNM Made In The Nineties

EDITORIAL

When it comes to human rights, Somaliland fares well compared to neighboring countries. For example, prisoners are not tortured or murdered in Somaliland’s jails. As a matter of fact, the country did not have any political prisoners until about three weeks ago. Nevertheless, there has been a steady and unmistakable deterioration in the human rights situation in the country. The problem has two levels: the symbolic and the substantive. On a symbolic level, when Somalilanders elected President Rayale, they knew he was a former member of Siyad Barre’s notorious National Security Service (NSS), but they voted for him anyway because they also knew that he was a former vice-president of independent Somaliland who, along with President Egal, contributed to establishing peace and stability in Somaliland. Thus by voting for Rayale, most of the electorate was voting for Rayale the former president of Somaliland, and not Rayale the former NSS colonel.

President Rayale seemed to understand that and acted accordingly by projecting himself as the person who is capable of keeping Somaliland stable and pursuing international recognition. But recently, it looks like Rayale has changed his mind and instead of acting like the former vice president that the electorate voted for, he is acting more and more like the former NSS colonel that the electorate wanted to forget about. In other words, instead of acting like the new Rayale, he is acting like the old Rayale.

On a substantive level, Rayale’s turn-around is highlighted by a series of actions chief among which is the appointing of former NSS spies to sensitive positions in his administration, and subverting the legal system until it has become no more than an instrument that carries out his wishes.

Early this year, we saw this old Rayale using old NSS methods to put Haatuf Media Network journalists behind bars simply because they dared to write about his corruption.

Late last month, we saw this same old Rayale again in action when he arrested and detained three Qaran party leaders and two community elders because of a constitutional dispute.

Some of the features of these NSS methods that President Rayale’s government deployed against Haatuf Media Network journalists a few months ago, which it is now using against QARAN party leaders are:

- The government has refused the defendant’s bail even though it is highly unlikely that they would skip bail

- The government made it very difficult for the families and friends of the prisoners to visit them by requiring them to get permission from several government offices

- The government has instituted extra police and security controls on the roads leading to the jail where QARAN leaders are being held, with the aim of harassing people who want to visit Qaran leaders

- The case is being tried inside a police/custodial complex

President Rayale’s refusal to act like the president that the people voted for, and his backsliding into the role of an NSS officer is a huge mistake, and it may cost him dearly. The irony here is that Rayale is making the same mistake that his erstwhile SNM opponents made in the early nineties. Back then, the SNM had a mandate to be the governing authority in Somaliland. But instead of getting down to the serious business of governing, they indulged in authoritarianism, arrogance and constant feuding, until finally, the people got fed up with them and put the reins of power in the hands of Egal.

Something similar may be happening now in Somaliland, but the results won’t be known until the next elections, a few months from now. If Rayale suffers the same fate as the SNM, he will have no one to blame but himself, just like the SNM.

Source: Somaliland Times

http://www.somalilandtimes.net/sl/2007/291/16.shtml

SOMALILAND: Leaders of new opposition party arrested

AMNESTY INTERNATIONAL

Public Statement

AI Index: AFR 52/013/2007 (Public)
News Service No: 151
7 August 2007

SOMALILAND: Leaders of new opposition party arrested

Amnesty International calls for the immediate and unconditional release of three leaders of an emergent opposition party who were arrested in the Somaliland capital of Hargeisa on 28 July.

They are Mohamed Abdi “Gabose”, a neurologist and former minister in the Somaliland and Somalia Governments; Mohamed Hashi Elmi, a civil engineer and former Mayor of Hargeisa; and Jamal Aideed, a telecommunications businessperson. They are respectively the chairperson, the vice-chairperson and the second vice-chairperson of the Qaran party (“The Nation”), which is not so far legally registered but had begun informal political activities in advance of the local elections expected to be held in December 2007.

The Interior Minister had some days earlier warned the three Qaran party leaders to stop holding public meetings and threatened them with serious criminal charges, accusing them of “fuelling unrest”. To Amnesty International’s knowledge, there have been no demonstrations or violent incidents involving Qaran supporters.

The three men are detained in Mandera prison, 70 kilometres east of Hargeisa. They were taken to court and remanded for investigation into alleged unlawful political activities. They have not so far been charged with any offence and have been held incommunicado since 3 August 2007, after initially being allowed access to their legal representatives and families.

Amnesty International considers these three people to be prisoners of conscience. It is concerned that they may be detained without charge or trial for a prolonged period, or subjected to an unfair trial.

Background
In the last elections in 2002, only three political parties (one government-linked and two in opposition) were allowed, due to the proliferation of parties at the time and to prevent the formation of parties based on clan affiliations. There is currently no mechanism for registering new parties as the registration committee was disbanded in 2002.

The Republic of Somaliland declared independence from Somalia in 1991, but has not so far gained international recognition. It is the only part of the former Somali Republic to have established security and functioning institutions of governance, with a government through a multi-party system.

Three previous prisoners of conscience were journalists of Haatuf newspaper. They were detained in January 2007, subjected to unfair trial and variously imprisoned for two years and 29 months, then released by presidential pardon in late March.

AI Index: AFR 52/013/2007

7 August 2007

http://web.amnesty.org/library/index/engafr520132007

Qaran Leaders’ Trial Opens In Mandhera Jail’s Vicinity

Dr M. Gabose (L), Mr J. Aidid (C) and Mr M. Hashi (R), seen leaving the court room on Thursday, walking back to the prison under escort. (photo: courtersy of JAMHUURIYA Newspaper).

Mandhera, Somaliland, August 18, 2007 (SL Times) – The leaders of Qaran Party, Dr M. Gabose, Mr M. Hashi and Mr J. Aidid who were arrested and jailed by the Somaliland government last month, appeared for the very first time on Thursday, in a specially arranged court in Mandhera police/custodial training school, Sahil region, 93 km northeast of Hargeysa.

The party leaders of Qaran, a non-registered political organization have been held in Mandhera high security prison since their arrest on 28 July 2007 for allegedly `engaging in unauthorized political activities' with the `intent to cause subversion'.

The court trial took place inside the grounds of Mandhera police /custodial academy which is a stone's throw from the high security prison where the party leaders are being held. The trial proceedings were administered under the Hargeysa Regional court’s jurisdiction which undertook special measures to change the location of the trial from the Hargeysa courthouse to the Mandhera district of Sahil region.

The families and friends of the defendants were turned away by police from attending the court trial, so they could not attend.

The umbrella human rights network group Shuranet and the local media were the only people permitted inside the makeshift court room. The majority of people were being turned away from the main Hargeysa and Berbera road by police.

The legal counsel representing the defendants boycotted the trial and argued that `it is not legal for a court of law to hold its proceedings inside a state government institution, and secondly, a regional court cannot hold its court cases in another region outside its region's jurisdiction'.

The court trial opened at 9: AM by Judge Saeed Yusuf Abdi. On opening the court trial, the judge accepted a request from 1st defendant, `Qaran' chairman Dr M. Gabose, to address the court, and he said: "Our legal counsel of representatives had communicated to your office a two point letter stating (1) whether the legality issue of Qaran as a political organisation is permissible or not, is a matter reserved for only the constitutional court of this country, and not within the capacities of a regional court to interpret and make a ruling on, (2) that according to the constitution, a regional court does not have the capacity to hold court proceedings outside its regional jurisdiction, let alone in the grounds of the security and defence forces.

Our legal counsel has been waiting for your response to this letter. For this reason, until we have our legal counsel present in this court proceeding, we are obliged not to cooperate in the trial."

Deputy chair of Qaran party, Mr M. Hashi also requested from the judge permission to speak, the judge accepted.

Mr Hashi said, "We are not party to this trial, nor will we cooperate with the court till we get our legal representation present in court". The same was also said by the 3rd defendant Mr J. Aidid who is the 2nd deputy chairman of Qaran.

The Hargeysa regional court’s prosecutor, Mr Yusuf A Kahin, made a formal request from the court that the legal counsel of the defendants should be held in contempt of court for not coming to court to represent their clients. Mr Kahin requested that the defence counsel should be fined 11 million Sl/sh ($1,800) and barred two years from taking part in legal court proceedings.

The regional court judge said that the court will give the defense counsel 30 minutes to appear in court, and that if they failed to do so, the court will issue a fine 5 million Sl/sh ($700) for contempt and a temperay ban of one year of their court representation licenses. The court then went into a 30 minute recess.

The court returned from its 30 minute recess and there being no sign of the defense counsel, the judge issued a decree against the absent defence counsel that the court has fined them 5 million Sl/sh. for contempt of court and year's ban from taking part in any legal court representations.

The judge said the proceedings will go ahead regardless of the defence counsel being absent, and read three counts of charges brought against the Qaran party leaders:

1. The defendants said that the president had lied regarding the construction of a $300 million cement plant and coal power station at Berbera; the defendants also declared the formation of a political organization which is against the law.

2. The defendants claimed that the Al-Jabri livestock venture was a fabrication and does not exist.

3. The defendants held illegal gatherings in Hargeysa and Gebile and did not take heed of the minister of Internal Affairs' letter which made it known to them that these activities are illegal, and that they should stop.

Among the prosecution’s witnesses who testified during the trial against the defendants were the head of Somaliland CID, Mr Ahmed Ali Shebel, the head of the Western Region's police division, Mr Adan M Guun, the head of Iftin police station in Hargeysa, Mr Muhammad Asye, and the Gebile town police chief, Mr Salah. All gave accounts of the public rallies held by the defendants in Odweyne, Hargeysa and Gebile.

After hearing the testimonies of the prosecution witnesses, the presiding trial judge, Mr Saeed Yusuf Abdi adjourned the court until next Sunday (18/08/07).

Source: Somaliland Times

http://www.somalilandtimes.net/sl/2007/291/1.shtml

The Regional Court of Somaliland has set a hearing date and location for the accused Qaran political association leaders.

Translated by Malik Jeylani into English

The presiding Judge of the accused Qaran political association leaders has set a hearing date and location for the first time since their arrest on 28^th July, 2007. Released document from the office of the presiding judge in the Qaran leader’s case states that the detainees will be tried on a special court inside the Mandhera prison on Thursday 16^th August, 2007. It is reported that the defence lawyers had already been served with this released document in order for them to prepare their case before the court. When asked the defence team if the special courts inside the Mandhera Prison to be tried to their clients are valid and constitutional, the defence team left short to answer the question as the whole defence team was not present at the time to comment. The Somaliland Government sent to jail Qaran Political association Chairman Dr. Mohamed Abdi Gaboose and his deputies Eng. Mohamed Hashi Elmi and Mr. Jamal Aidiid Ibrahim after the government got an arrest warrant to arrest the accused and the court remand them for seven days on 28^th July, 2007 but are still in jail for more than two weeks now without coming before the court or without being charged.

On the other side, ‘Somaliland Human Rights Organizations Network (SHURO-Net) is a Network of organizations bound together by common responsibilities on the promotion and protection of the Universal ideals of Human rights and fundamental freedoms enshrined in Islamic Shari’a, Somaliland Bill of rights(http://www.somalilandlaw.com/Somaliland_Constitution/billofrisomaliland_constitution.htm ), UDHR and other International Human Rights Instruments. The member organisations aim to reach their main goal through exchange of information, develop a collective voice, amplify their actions, and develop new tools and strategies in pursuing action oriented initiatives to protect all human rights and fundamental freedom in Somaliland territory’ specially the illegal arrest of the Qaran political association leaders. At Shuro-Net we are deeply worried and concern about the continuously path and actions that the Somaliland Government takes lately which violates the constitutional rights and freedom of the Somaliland Citizens.

SHURO-Net have sent a fact finding team who visited the detainees for two hours in Mandhera Prison on Wednesday, this visit was been made possible by the efforts of the National Commission of Human Rights in Somaliland. The detained Qaran Leaders were deeply worried and concerned about the visionless leadership direction and the political turmoil that country is experiencing and the illegal arrests that government arrested them with. The detainees stated that their arrest is political motivated and it goes against the constitution of Somaliland and all International laws specially the human rights laws.

SHURO-Net is aware that the government committed a grave violation against the detainee’s basic rights which is guaranteed by the constitution of the land and the United Declaration of Human rights. These violation are been confirmed by Qaran leaders who stated that since their arrest they were not told the reason of their arrest or charges. The government further made tough rules for the visitations of the detained Qaran leaders which made them not to be able to be visited by their defence team and family members this made them incommunicado. These tough visitation rules directed to the detained Qaran leaders effected the general prison population who also became incommunicado as a result of the government actions.

SHURO-Net is concerned about the government’s treatment to the detainees as the detainees were treated as convicted criminal even though that the detainees are untried prisoner who were not also charged or convicted before the court. These types of treatment clearly violate constitution article 26(3) states that ‘An accused person is innocent until proven guilty in a court’. Qaran Political Association leaders confirmed to SHURO-Net that they always ready and make their first priority the interest of the general public of Somaliland while they protest the government actions and plans to destroy their dignity, reputation and use of force. These actions clearly violates the constitution article 24(3) States ‘Every person shall have the right to have his dignity, reputation and private life respected’.

SHURO-Net after long study on the detained Qaran leader’s case we acknowledge that the government extent several times the remand of the detainees without bringing the detainees before the court and did not explained the extension to the detainees. These actions clearly violates ICCPR 9(2) Anyone who is arrested shall be informed, at the time of arrest, of the reasons for his arrest and shall be promptly informed of any charges against him. The Detained Qaran Leaders showed a deep concern about the independence of the current Judiciary system in Somaliland, specially the presiding charge who is dealing with their case as they belief that the presiding judge is not an impartial judge.

SHURO-Net supports the Public statement of Amnesty international in this case and confirms they hold the same view of Amnesty International view that ‘there have been no demonstrations or violent incidents involving Qaran supporters’, all Qaran leaders did was to exercise their constitutional rights to form a political association which the current government it self exercised when they were preparing and forming their political association before they were registered as political association which turn into a political party.

SHURO-Net condemns the further illegal arrests of Mr. Mohamed Abdi Jibril and Chief Abdirahman Awale Ogle accused of setting up a meeting to discuss about the arrest of the Qaran leaders. The two men are detained in Mandhera prison, 70 kilometres east of Hargeisa. Security forces arrested these two detainees and sent them to Mandhera prison even though the security forces does not have a legal ground to send someone to prison without the assistance of the court. These two men were not brought before the courts yet and believed that they are incommunicado.

SHURO-Net is concerned about the Somaliland Government’s constant gross violation of human rights, lack of co-operation between the lower and upper houses, while on the same time there are huge political differences about the government budget, how it was Setup the National Election Commission and the arrests of the Qaran political association leaders shows the lack of leadership vision from the current Somaliland government as it is not in agreement with the newly born democracy of the Republic of Somaliland.

SHURO-Net strongly advices and calls the Somaliland Government for the immediate and unconditional release of three Qaran Leaders and the two elders who were further arrested by the security forces and if the detainees committed a chargeable crime must be brought before an independent and impartial court.

SHURO-Net advices the government to stop the policy of political prisoners and recommends to follow the good policies of the Republic of Somaliland which are based on compromise, negotiation, peace and mutual understanding, co-operation, and other democratic values. The government should listen to the will of the people both inside and outside and in this case it should listen to the request of the Somaliland people which seeks immediate and unconditional release of the three Qaran leaders and the two elders.

SHURO-Net calls for the Somaliland government to respect the basic human rights of the citizens. The government must stay away all illegal actions that it might plan such as political motivated convictions in order to make Qaran leaders ineligible to take part in local election or take part in the politics and the government of their country.

SHURO-Net calls the immediate implantation of the constitution article of the Judiacry and the courts and the implementation of an independent an impartial Judiacry committee. Finally we call the Somaliland citizens to support the government for all good and democratic action it takes, and rectify and correct all bad an undemocratic actions that the government commits, while respecting the democratic values, law and order that Republic of Somaliland bases it is existence from the start.

(Source: http://www.halganews.com//content/view/3375/1/)

Translated By Malik Jeylani into English from the original Somali version

Somaliland's Political Veterans must be released immediately.

Somaliland International Recognition Action Group(SIRAG)
London, UK
3rd/August/2007

Press Release

SIRAG demands from the government of the Republic of Somaliland for the immediate release of Dr. Mohamed Abdi Gaboose, Eng. Mohamed Hashi Elmi and Mr. Jamal Aideed Ibrahim the Executive Leaders of Qaran Political Association. The government of Somaliland has acted illegally by depriving and denying these citizens of their constitutional rights to appoint a Political Association that will represent their democratic rights as laid down in the constitution of Somaliland. The government of Somaliland should free these political veterans without further delay so that they can get on with their work and complete their milestones within the time frame work that is available for registering political associations. Delaying their
work will only affect the elections and can cause serious results towards the milestone set for Somaliland’s democratic achievements and recognition.

We would like to remind the government of Somaliland, the parliament, Guurtida and Opposition parties of Somaliland that depriving the citizens of Somaliland of their liberties and constitutional rights and jailing them on top of that without a due process of law will only further damage Somaliland’s democratic achievements and recognition. The illegal imprisonment of these politicians have been carried out by the unconstitutional so called Security Committees which should have been
abolished long ago time ago to safeguard the stability and security of the nation.

We stand in Solidarity with the Association of Somaliland Lawyers(SOLLA), SHURO Net Human Rights organizations Network, the Diaspora, members of Parliaments & Opposition Parties and Somaliland’s Political Veterans to free these political prisoners without any further delay.

Year 2007 has been a challenging one for Somaliland’s democracy including the latest imprisonment of Haatuf Journalists where such injustices were protested against both in Somaliland and in the Diaspora along with friends of Somaliland who have been very instrumental in making sure that Somaliland’s democracy goes from strength to strength. The history of
Somaliland will under no circumstances be dragged back to tyranny and the abuse of freedom of speech where ordinary people are subjected to a state where they keep their private thoughts to themselves for fear of disrupting peace. Such actions are the early signs of dictatorial regimes and should not be tolerated. The way forward for Somaliland is to maintain peace and respect of humanrights for all individuals as laid out in the Constitution of Somaliland.

Let us also not forget that these Political Veterans are the icons of Somaliland’s history, liberation, independence and their case of imprisonment should not be taken lightly. It is sad and unfortunate that such Veterans of high status to have been put to such a test where their imprisonment was rushed without balancing it with a common sense. 28th of July 2007 would be a day that will haunt the history of Somaliland for centuries to come. There was a time when these Political Veterans along with their veteran comrades dreamed of reaching the day that they will liberate Somaliland from the tyranny of Siad Barre’s regime persevering with patience against all odds. Somaliland has luckily become the Oasis of Success and Stability in the Horn of Africa as a result of their fruits. These leaders we believe would not sabotage their hard earned vision for a just and
democratic society.

For the record these Political Veterans have chosen to exercise their freedom of speech as free citizens of Somaliland. The Association of Lawyers of Somaliland(SOLLA), SHURO Net Human Rights Organisation, members of Opposition Parties and Parliament, the Diaspora and Somaliland’s Veteran Politicians have all declared their imprisonment as illegal. We believe that their imprisonment has been rushed which only highlights the weakness of the government’s leadership. Sadly such actions will also jeopardise the democratic achievements of Somaliland including our campaigns for the recognition of Somaliland.

We would like to remind the government of Somaliland that the citizens of Somaliland have chosen democracy over tyranny so that they can live in a free society where any one can state his/her own views wherever they may be in an office or open space without fear of any punishment whatsoever. Historically over the centuries Somaliland has enjoyed freedom of speech
through their pastoral culture which compliments the spirit of Democracy in Somaliland in a unique way in a nation where illiteracy is over 95%.

We would like to remind the citizens of Somaliland that the coming elections are the only means they can exercise their democratic rights peacefully. We advise the citizens of Somaliland to always safeguard their security and stability and never comprise their hard earned efforts and achievements towards democracy and peace over the last 16 years.

Somaliland is at a cross road and in order to safeguard the security and stability of the Republic of Somaliland the government of Somaliland must free the Political Veterans of Qaran Political Association without any further delay. The International Community will be watching the progress of this case very closely and turning a blind eye to freeing these politicians would only jeopardize the coming elections and delay the recognition of Somaliland.

God Bless Somaliland.

Marwo Lulu Farah
Chair of SIRAG
www.sirag.org.uk

The Forever And Ever Question

EDITORIAL

In the raging debate among Somalilanders about President Rayale’s decision to arrest and imprison QARAN Party leaders, the most frequently cited reasons for the President’s action are:

• The president believed that he needed to act to maintain peace and order, and was certain that he was legally justified in doing so.
• The president got bad advice.
• The president was testing the waters and plans to take more drastic steps against his adversaries to improve his chances of holding on to power.

But regardless of the reason behind his decision, it’s a bad decision. It’s a bad decision because it has heightened the atmosphere of discord in the country (the very thing that he was ostensibly trying to prevent). On a symbolic or emotional level, the president’s action goes against the Somalilanders view of their homeland as a free and democratic country with no political prisoners and where political differences are resolved through negotiation and compromise. As a matter of fact, one could go even further and say that the president’s decision is even bad for the president himself, since it can bring no benefit to him and only tarnishes his already battered image.

From a purely political standpoint, everyone knows that the president’s electoral fight will most probably be with KULMIYE, the party he narrowly defeated in the last election. Instead of preparing for that fight, the president has chosen to engage in a side-show with a young unregistered party, unnecessarily alienating potential supporters.

The fact that UCID party leaders sided with the president is not difficult to explain.

Being the weakest one of the three registered parties, UCID is afraid that it may be eliminated altogether if QARAN or any other new party is allowed to participate in the coming election, hence their vehement opposition to QARAN.

Rather than seeing QARAN party as a threat as the president’s party (UDUB) and UCID have done, KULMIYE saw it as an opportunity and welcomed it. This was an astute political move that won KULMIYE a lot of goodwill among QARAN supporters without costing it anything.

As things stand now, QARAN has already done a great favor to Somaliland in that it forced open the issue of whether citizens can form new parties or only the three existing parties can operate in Somaliland forever and ever. This is what we call the forever and ever question or abad al-abidin question. What we mean by it is that if you ask Somalilanders should the country have three parties or more than three parties, most will reply that three parties are enough. But then if you ask them should the three registered parties (UDUB, KULMIYE and UCID) be the only ones that exist in Somaliland forever and ever, or should more parties be allowed to compete and then the three parties with the highest vote should become national parties, most Somalilanders would choose the latter scenario. In other words, most Somalilanders don’t want more than three parties, but they also don’t want UDUB, KULMIYE and UCID to have a monopoly over political life in Somaliland forever and ever.

The government’s complaint against QARAN, that it has engaged in political campaigning even though the campaigning season has not yet officially started, has merit, but this complaint is offset by the fact that the government has disbanded the committee that was supposed to register political parties and has been giving QARAN the run around.

QARAN has moved the debate about the configuration of party politics forward. But there are still important constitutional issues that have to be tackled. For example, if a new party is allowed to compete in the municipal elections and wins, thereby taking the place of one of the registered parties, what should be done with members of parliament who belong to the party that was eliminated? Are they going to be allowed to stay in parliament or would they have to give up their parliamentary seats? Is the new winning party going to have to wait until the parliamentary election to be represented in parliament?

One obvious answer is to move the parliamentary elections closer to the municipal elections, but there are many other constitutional questions that need to be answered. Somaliland will not be able to find answers for these thorny issues by throwing the people who raise them in jail. Instead of jailing QARAN leaders, they should be thanked for starting this debate and should be invited to contribute to finding a solution.

QARAN leaders must be immediately set free.

Source: Somaliland Times

http://www.somalilandtimes.net/sl/2007/289/16.shtml

Rayale And Reptiles: What Have They Got In Common

By Yassin M. Ismail, Kent, UK

Snakes, crocodiles and most reptiles are known and feared for their reputation of killing instinct and reactionary behavior. Most reptiles are said to be cold blooded, stealth and often strike when least expected. They do so in self-defense.

Unlike amphibians and mammals, particularly predators, reptiles do not choose their prey and often remain hidden most of their time awaiting for their prey to arrive within striking distance.

Snakes and reptiles in general are physically inferior and intellectually deficient compared to mammals and amphibians. They have neither legs to run with nor wings to help them fly and though some of them live in waters their bodies are not particularly designed for life in waters.

In addition, reptiles are intellectually subordinate to both mammals and to some extent amphibians.

Snakes are primitive animals intellectually under-developed due to the size of their brain and the fact that their cerebral cortex is very tiny.

In fact snakes only utilize their lower brain, the medulla oblongata, which is responsible for instinctive life decisions: i.e. defense, eating, reproduction etc.

Snakes are also half blind and do not see very well though they rely on their highly sensitive vibration sensors (their excellent ability to detect sound vibrations).

In other words they listen to the ground to find out if any threat is coming to their way and if there is, they automatically engage themselves in defensive mode once they realize the presence of a danger. Hence whoever crosses their protective lines is potential attacker and instinctively the snakes would automatically strike in self defense.

Scientists say, this reactionary behavior is normal for snakes whose reptilian brain is merely capable of making life decisions and as they are not capable of making consciously thought response their fear and vulnerability overrides their rationality. Furthermore, as cold blooded animals, snakes spend most of their time conserving their energy and sleeping.

But sleeping makes you even more vulnerable to attacks and snakes know that very well. Thus they developed the ability to remain alert even when sleeping.

Imam Hamze Yusuf, an American Muslim scholar once compared the behavioral characteristics of snakes with that of brutal dictators. In a lecture titled the ‘Dangers of Heedlessness’ Imam Hamze said most of the known brutal dictators have one thing in common with reptiles. Their brains function from a reptilian level.

Imam Hamze’s argument is particularly true knowing that ‘fear’ and insecurity have often been the main driving force behind brutalities committed by many dictators and fuelled by folly and greed. Just the same way a snake would strike when felt threatened dictators tend to resort to the use of violence and repression in order to suppress their political opponents.

This analogy is particularly true considering President Dahir Rayale’s rather stubborn behavior in his judgments on number of politically sensitive issues. Such has been the recent unlawful arrests of three journalists working for the Haatuf Newspaper earlier this year. Without trial the three journalists spent more than 100 days in prison.

In addition, three prominent members of the Qaran Political Party were taken to prison without any charge or trial process and still remain incarcerated in Mandhera central prison.

Human Right organization condemned the unlawful imprisonment of Dr Gabose, Eng Mohamed Hashi Mr. M. Aideed.

Clearly Mr. Rayale’s tendency to resort to high handed tactics, including repression and illegal arrests of his political opponents is a display of all known characteristic behaviors of a reptilian creature.

The pattern of his recent actions also prove that President Rayale is coming out his shell and eventually showing his true colors as brutal dictators whose fear and insecurity override his sense of rationality. The question is will Rayale continue to grow into a fully fledged monster or he would be stopped before his ego hatches?

As the Somali saying goes, ‘Maska Madaxaa laga dilaa’ an indication that the snake’s reptilian brain is the source of his reactionary behavior.

Email: foryassin19@hotmail.com

Source Somaliland Times:

http://www.somalilandtimes.net/sl/2007/290/9.shtml

Today the justice of the Nation of Somaliland will prevail

We would like to remind the daughters and sons of Somaliland that Somaliland is here to stay and would not be hijacked by a tyrant leadership. Never it happened in the history of Somaliland for the noble daughters and sons of Somaliland to be imprisoned let alone sending them to the notorious prison of Mandheera where the ghost of Siad Barre still haunts its dark history.

Somaliland has been built by the sweat of its citizens including those living in the Diaspora. We would like to remind the daughters and sons of Somaliland that the current administration of Somaliland so far did not live up to their promises and neither have they constructed hospitals nor schools but all that Somaliland has achieved to date is built by the hard work and efforts of the Diaspora and the citizens of Somaliland. The daughters and sons of Somaliland must wake up from their deep dream and hear the wakeup call of justice before they too are drawn in the tide of injustice and tyranny.

The sons and daughters of Somaliland must start writing their history starting from today the 11th of August 2007 as justice will speak and pens will write the judgment to come and history will be a witness to that. Today the daughters and sons of Somaliland would see with their own eyes whether what they have worked so hard for the last 4 decades will stand on its own two feet or fall apart God forbid. Let us not forget that we have witnesses watching over us from heaven with keen eyes waiting in patience to see how we react to injustices judging our actions on whether we support tyranny which will cause Somaliland pain, destruction and disturbance or we will support ‘Justice’ and bring peace, order and harmony a spirit which we have supported for the last 16 years. In this age we live in a time where Truth is fought by using the tools of human rights, common sense and the majority blocking any injustices caused to them.

We would like to remind the leaders of Somaliland that the noble daughters and sons of Somaliland will keep a record of your history. A golden record will be kept of every tyranny that leaves a record in the history of Somaliland and such record will be like a monument written for the future generations of Somaliland to learn from and never forget. Equally just leaders always came out of the hardest choices in their lives and history has been a witness to that.

Today the idols of Pharaoh will either not come down and Tyranny will prevail or Somaliland will come out of the other end with the justice of Moses(as) and Harun/Aaron(as) saving the spirit of the true democracy that Somaliland has embraced for the last 16 years. Today the King of all Kings(swt) will be the Judge and the Jury and the noble sons and the daughters of Somaliland the witnesses.

May peace and blessings of Almighty God and Al Mustafa(as) be on the noble daughters and sons of Somaliland including those who have departed from us, Aamiin.

Fatima Ali
somaliland_diaspora_women@yahoo.com

Source: Somaliland Patriots

http://somalilandpatriots.com/news-3597.html

Riyalism Dictatorship Has No Place in Somaliland

August 02, 2007

Awdal diaspora community in North America is demanding the immediate release of the leaders of Qaran political movements, Dr Gaboose, Mohamed Haashi and Jamaal Caydiid. The current administration has the duty to protect the rights of the people of Somaliland. The people of Somaliland have the rights to organize, and participate any political movements of their choice. This is the 21st century and Riyalism Dictatorship Has No Place in Somaliland.

The following Awdaleits signed the petition for Qaran leaders to demand their immediate release. The Human rights of the people of Somaliland must be protected under any administration and the rights that they have to organize and participate any political movements of their choice must be honored as well. The petition was signed by more than 500 people, but requested not to release the entire list at the moment.

• Mohamad Hashi
• Idiriss Badar Yonis
• Abdirahman Hadi
• Ibrahim Mohamed Cali
• Abdiqani Mohamed Badar
• Mohamud Mohamed badar
• Barkhad Ahmed dheere
• Ali barkhadle (Ali Baba)
• Jamac Ali Ahmed
• Hussein Mead
• Cali nur Ismail
• Ibrahim Hussein
• Kayd Askar Diriye
• Mursal Ali Askar
• Mohamed Dugsiye
• Abdiwahab Elmi Boqore
• Suleiman Barre
• Maryan Dahir
• Rashid Omar Diriye
• Dayib Cumar
• Abiib Hamud Jibril
• Hassan Hamud Jibril
• Yasmin Muse cumar
• Nuuh Omar Sulthan
• Mahamed Cabdi Omar
• Cabdisalan Egeh Amin (Cige Bilig)
• Haamud Khayre
• Bashir Hamud
• Cusman Farah Qaabil
• Mahamed Farah Aden
• Hussein Guled
• Abdirahman Omar timojilic
• Shill Mahir
• Yasin Judhiyaan
• Hussein Ahmed Yusuf
• Hassan Ali Ibrahim
• Mohamed Ali Ibrahim
• Elmi Ahmed
• Suleiman Geedi
• Dahir Muse Sheikh Cabdilahi (Codwayne)
• Abdi Ali Adeeryo
• Muse Ali Askar
• Dahir Hashi
• Samatar Ali Abdillahi
• Sahal Ali
• Mukhtar Amin (Cige Bilig)
• Mohamed H. Ibrahim
• Abdulkadir Hussein Egeh
• Hassan Hussein Egeh
• Mohamed Mohamoud Warsame
• Mahamed Elmi Boqore
• Abdirashid Barkhad
• Mustafe Barkhad Abdillahi
• Mahamed Elmi Farah
• Hassan Mumin Dhinbiil
• Mustafe Muse
• Yusuf Ahmed Aynaan
• Siciid Dahir
• Abdi Nur Wacays (Dubeeco)
• Mohamed Hassan jamac
• Mahamed Abdi
• Abdirahim H. Ibrahim
• Abdirisaq Yusuf Wayrax
• Faysal Hamud
• Abdi Harun
• Ahmed Qayaad
• Omar Qawdhan
• Osman Idriss
• Abdiqadir Ali Warsame
• Ilyaas Barkhad Abdillahi
• Abaadir Barkhad Abdillahi
• Nuuh Suleiman Sh. Muxumed
• Abdillahi Obsiye
• Awo Obsiye
• Sa'ada Mohamed Ibrahim
• Abdi Farah Budhe
• Ali Abdillahi Abib
• Hussein Guled
• Bashir Muse
• Hassan Mohamed Hassan
• Mohamed Ali Garoodhshe
• Mustafe Mohamed Hassan
• Yasin ali Garoodshe
• Amran Osman
• Shamsan Ismail Nuur
• Abdifatax Mubarak Osman
• Abdillahi Muse Hufane
• Weli Muse Hufane
• Ali barkhad (Ali Diig)
• Abdoo Ibrahim Aw-dahir
• Abdirahman Hussein Samale
• Rahma Abubakar Sh. Abdillahi (Codwayne)
• Nimco Ahmed
• Rashid Nur
• Abdirizaq Mohamed Madar
• Qaasim Dahir Elmi
• Hassan Yusuf Wadad
• Muse Ali Wacays

Awdal Community in North America

Saylicipress Canada

admin@saylicipress.net

Liquid Team Leader

Abubakar Jibril

952-848-6662

Source: Somaliland Times

http://somalilandtimes.net/sl/2007/290/25.shtml

The Denial Of Bail To Qaran Leaders Is A Blow To The Constitution And International Laws

Press Statement

We can not understand how a judge with his right mind could possibly rule to remand a week and deny bail on 28/07/2007, and after the seven day remand is over on 04/08/2007 extend the remand to another week without any good cause; and the government did not bring the detainees before the court in order to receive the extension of remand.

The arrested are an outstanding and exemplary citizens and their arrest is illegal and unjustified as the government allegedly charges against these prominent politicians for preparing to form a political association which may lead into a political party. According to Qaran, the constitution allows them to organize and form a political association that may lead into a political party, but according to the government the constitution does not allow anyone to form or prepare a new political association that will lead into a political party. The government knows the fact that these citizens do not pose danger to the society, and were exercising their political rights in a peaceful manner and that they are not also at risk to flee. These untried prisoners are also being placed in jail with other prisoners who have been convicted of crimes and this is against United Nations declaration of Human Rights ‘85. (1) Untried prisoners shall be kept separate from convicted prisoners’.

Even though the government knows the facts and that the arrested are not a risk to flee the government still puts them in remand and denies bail to these prominent and respected politicians, who are Doctors, Businessmen and Politicians who contribute and contributed to the peace, security and stability of Somaliland and also run a Private Hospital to help people with Neurological problems as Dr. Mohamed Abdi Gabose is the only neurology specialist in Somaliland who also owns properties in the state, and this denial of justice is a blow to the justice of Somaliland and shows that the judiciary is not independent from the executive powers of the president. The arrested have a legal right to bail, defense, family visits, and medical visits which is protected under the Charter of UN Human Rights and Freedoms, and the Somaliland constitution.

An accused is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. And that presumption of innocence should, in principle, include freedom. The government denied for the defense team, the family and doctor’s to meet the Qaran leaders on 04/08/2007. The government interference to the judiciary is a ground to charge the government for contravention of the constitution and not abiding by the UN declaration of human rights. This interference is a blow to maintaining confidence in the administration of justice as the government is acting politically to charge its citizens. We also have received numerous reports that the government is trying to suppress the judicial system and imprison all political opponents.

Earlier on 03/08/2007, we received reports stating that the government verbally dismissed the Mandhera Prison Commanding Officers Mr. Muse Abokor Qoorsheel and his deputy Mr. Abdi Hassan Bakeyr from their posts, but after a lot of complaints from the local clan elders and citizens the government revised their verbal dismissal and threatened the Mandhera Prison Commanding Officer and his deputy that they should be Harsh and tough to the prisoners in their custody and these two Officers are also advised that they should not let any visitors to the Qaran Political Association Leaders without the prior permission of the Courts and Prior permission from the Minister of Interior himself.

The government also arrested two elders for organizing a meeting to discuss the arrest of the Qaran Leaders and their charge was organizing a meeting for an authorized political association interest.

All these facts show that the Somaliland government is violating the Somaliland constitution, United Declaration of Human Rights and the rights of prisoners specially the rights of the untried prisoners. The government charges against the Qaran Leaders are unjustified, unfair and politically motivated. It is time for the International community to send a clear message to the Somaliland government and advise the seriousness of their violation of their own constitution and international law, specially, the human rights law to the citizens and untried or tried prisoners. The international community should send a clear message and ask the government of Mr. Dahir Rayale to release the Qaran Political Association Leaders and other political prisoners without condition and let Qaran Political Association exercise its God given rights to choose and express its political opinion peacefully and according to the constitution.

Malik Jeylani

Source: Somaliland Times

http://somalilandtimes.net/sl/2007/290/22.shtml