By Somalilandtimes network

Borama, Feb. 15, 2006 – A Somaliland court sentenced 28 youth to eight months in prison on Wednesday 15 February for holding a dancing party to celebrate the Valentine's Day on February 14, as reported by Somaliland press.

Reading the sentence, Judge Abdirahman Elmi Hassan, Head of the District Court in Borama, Awdal Region, said the youth were arrested for celebrating the international love day (Valentine's Day) which he said was contrary to the Islamic values and culture of the Somali people.

The court also presented a video of the party which showed 19 girls and 9 boys dancing with western music. The judge then ordered the youth to be sent to jail for 8 months.

Condemning the youth's party, Abdirahman Sh. Omar Dahir, Mayor of Borama, said that police had raided the house and arrested the youth indulging in vice.

Some of the parents, however, denied that the youth were celebrating Valentine's Day and branded the case as a miscarriage of justice.

Abdi Elmi Obsiiye, one of the parents, said that the youth organized a farewell party for one of their friends who was leaving the country.

This is the first time that a Somaliland court has issued a sentence of this sort and the first time ever that Somaliland people hear about youth celebrating Valentine's Day.

Source: Awdalnews Network

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