The Trial Case Of The Veteran Politicians In Mandheera Prison Is An Insult

[Jacaylbaro]

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

London, UK

 

To the Guurti, Parliament and Government of Somaliland

15th August 2007

 

The trial case of the Veteran Politicians in Mandheera 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

Mandheera 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 Siad 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 Hargeisa."

 

Our solidarity also goes to all those organisations in the Diaspora,

humanrights organsiations, 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 emphasise enough the setbacks that is upon Somaliland's

spirit towards democracy, humanrights 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 inspriations 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