The Trial Case Of The Veteran Politicians In Mandhera Prison Is An Insult To The Constitution Of Somaliland

Somaliland International Recognition Action Group (S.I.R.A.G)

To the Guurti, Parliament and Government of Somaliland

London , UK, August 15, 2007 – 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