Text of report by Somaliland independent Hargeysa Cable TV on 12 November

Hargeysa, Somaliland, November 12, 2007 – Authorities in Somaliland have arrested some interim officials of Qaran Party [unregistered party whose leaders have been convicted] and supporters.

The officials were arrested from their homes in Hargeysa and Burco this morning.

The number of arrested people is unknown, however, reports say about five people have been arrested in Hargeysa and two in Burco.

The arrest of the officials was aimed at preventing a planned demo to be held today by party supporters calling for the release of the party's officials held at Maandheera prison.

The government had earlier said it would not accept holding of the demonstration which was planned to be held in Hargeysa and Burco today.

Relatives of the arrested people told Hargeysa Cable TV that they did not know the whereabouts of arrested relatives, saying that they were not held at Hargeysa police station.

Meanwhile, the party supporters have condemned the arrest of the party's interim officials and supporters in a news conference held in Hargeysa, describing it as suppression and violation of human rights.

They said the government's action of preventing the demo was contrary to the constitution and fundamental human rights, adding the move would not prevent them from holding the demo.

Source: Hargeysa Cable TV, Hargeysa/BBC Monitoring