Puntland Justice Minister Denounces Police Discrimination and Unlawful Detentions

[Deeq A.]

Mohamed Abdiwahab: “In Garowe’s central police station, there are 153 detainees awaiting prosecution. One of them has been in detention for nine months. No warrants or court orders were issued for their detention.”

Garowe (PP News Desk) — Addressing a justice conference in Garowe, Puntland State’s Minister of Justice, Mohamed Abdiwahab, revealed that discrimination and human rights violations “are occurring in police stations throughout Puntland.” He noted that suspects accused of offences are often detained unlawfully before being brought to trial.

The minister stated that most victims are non-locals of the areas where they are detained. “Some suspects have been held in detention unlawfully without being brought before a court,” said Abdiwahab.

He further explained that local suspects accused of crimes frequently escape justice and move freely in cities. Meanwhile, Somali citizens from other regions, accused of similar offences, face inhumane treatment within Puntland’s justice system.

“In Garowe’s central police station, there are 153 detainees awaiting prosecution. One of them has been in detention for nine months. No warrants or court orders were issued for their detention,” the Justice Minister said.

“We summoned senior officers from the Criminal Investigation Department of the Puntland Police Force to question them about these unlawful detentions. They failed to provide satisfactory answers” said Abdiwahab.

The minister expressed fear of divine punishment for those responsible for the grave injustices. He emphasised the need to address the systemic abuse within Puntland’s justice system.

In 2020, the Nugaal Police Division was accused of power abuse, raising concerns about policing practices, access to justice and adherence to due process in Puntland.

Puntland State President Said Abdullahi Deni, speaking at a police graduation ceremony in Qardho in 2021, acknowledged efforts to improve the security situation and policing standards. “The two main duties of a government are to maintain law and order and provide public services. Newly trained officers have demonstrated their understanding of due process when suspects are taken into custody. We have allocated resources to address Puntland’s security challenges efficiently,” Deni said at the event, where 700 officers graduated after comprehensive training.

© Puntland Post, 2024

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