Press Release: Immediately
July 28, 2007
The Washington DC area Somaliland community is dismayed at the reckless and illegal actions taken by Rayale Administration for arresting the entire leadership of the Qaran Political Party in Somaliland. This act is a blatant and intolerable abuse of power.
The leadership of Qaran Party has done nothing more than declare their intent to participate in the political process of the country. Article 23 (3) of the Somaliland Constitution clearly states: "All citizens shall have the right to form, in accordance with the law, political, educational, cultural, social, occupational or employees' associations".
The Rayale Administration has been engaged in a deliberate campaign to suppress individual rights of the citizens and political dissent; the media is harassed and jailed repeatedly for exercising their right to inform the public, traditional leaders have been arrested without due process, and students have been arrested for holding demonstrations to express their voice. In addition, this Administration created illegal entity called "Security Committee", which has the power to arrest anyone without Court order and that allows it to circumvent the legal system.
We demand that Rayale's Administration release these men unconditionally and immediately. We warn the government about the risk of unrest and potential violence that might arise from this action. We place the responsibility of any consequence squarely on the shoulders of the government. Lastly, we call on the people to strongly denounce the actions of the government and defend their rights.
Xaashi Ismail Aden
Chairman,
Washington DC Somaliland Community
