The police in the breakaway Somaliland have arrested two journalists in Las-Anod town.
Hundreds of residents took to the streets of the town to protest against the administration of Somaliland.
The duo was apprehended while covering the demonstrations in the town.
Mohamed Fatah Egal, a member of Somaliland Journalist Association (SOLJA) said the two journalists spent two nights behind the bars.
“The journalists work for a radio and a TV stations. The two arrested by the police on Sunday and Monday while covering the protests in Last Anod town,” said Egal.
The National Union of Somali Journalists (NUSOJ) has also confirmed the arrest of a journalist in the town called on Somaliland authorities to immediately release of Abdirahman Kruse who works for Busho TV.
“We call for Abdirahman Kruse to be released immediately and for the journalist to be allowed to report freely and safely on the matters affecting the region,” NUSOJ statement reads in part.
The breakaway authorities also more than forty civilians following demonstrations against Somaliland in Las Anod town.
According to Reuters, the protesters marched through the town of Las Anod on Monday, shouting in support of rejoining the federal government.
Abdirisak Mohamed Farah, police commander for Somaliland’s Sool region said they arrested 47 demonstrators including women and youth.
“We arrested them because they were destabilizing peace and we shall take measures against those who masterminded it,” said Farah.
The detention and demonstrations came just a week after heavy fighting between Puntland and Somaliland forces claimed lives of 30 people and displaced hundreds in Tukaraq town.
Discussion about this post