Somaliland Frees Key Political Prisoners

 

Hargeysa, December 19, 2007 – The president of Somalia's breakaway state of Somaliland pardoned three key political prisoners Tuesday after more than five months in prison.

Dr. Mohamed Abdi Gabose, the chairman of Somaliland's QARAN political party, and his two deputies Mohamed Hashi Elmi and Jamaal Aideed Ibrahim were released at 2am Tuesday from Mandhera Prison.

The QARAN politicians were arrested last July for establishing an illegal political party.

Somaliland's constitution allows only three legal political parties, namely the ruling UDUB party of President Dahir Rayale, as well as Kulmiye and UCID parties both of which are well-represented in parliament.

Dr. Gabose and his deputies held a press conference Tuesday morning at the QARAN office in Hargeysa, capital of the breakaway region.

He said the QARAN politicians did not request President Rayale’s pardon, a key condition from the Somaliland government.

Dr. Gabose thanked the Somaliland lawyers' association and clan elders who partook in efforts for their release.

The QARAN politicians pledged to continue their activities.

Somaliland seceded from Somalia in 1991 after dictator Mohamed Siyad Barre was overthrown by warlords and the country divided into clan fiefdoms.

The separatist region has enjoyed relative peace since with its own government, security forces and currency, but has not gained international recognition to date, due to complex regional and international obstacles.

Source: Garowe Online