If he has committed a crime, he should be charged and given his day in court. He is not a flight risk and is a well-known figure, so he should be released on his own recognizance while awaiting trial.
Holding individuals in jail for four days, with the possibility of extending it to 45 days, is unacceptable. Articles 10 to 42 of Somalia’s constitution enumerate the inalienable rights of its citizens, including the fundamental right to express unpopular opinions.
It is disgraceful that he has been incarcerated for days simply for being critical of or insulting politicians. In fact, I have watched his videos, and he did not mention anyone specifically.
Is Somalia deteriorating into Muse Bihi’s Somaliland, where even a sneeze in the direction of his office or wearing blue clothes lands people in jail? This must stop.
By: Abdirashid Hashi
