Prominent Outspoken Critic Receives 4-year Sentence and a Fine for Publishing Articles ‘Against Government’
Hargeisa, Aug 24 2013 (SDN) – Hargeisa regional court has secretly sentenced prominent prominent outspoken critic of president Silanyo’s administration Jama Elmi to four years in prison, and a fine of a one million Somaliland Shilling in last Tuesday, Human rights activists said. Jama Elmi was secretly detained in July 2013 for publishing articles defaming President Silanyo’s administration. This is the second prison sentence Jama Elmi receives this after Hargeisa regional court sentenced him six months in prison and a fine n April 2013. The sentencing of the prominent outspoken critic to four years in jail followed by a fine of a one million Somaliland Shilling demonstrates a blatant disregard for his fundamental rights, Human rights activists said. Jama Elmi widely known as Jiir was convicted of publishing articles in the media that made negative references to the incumbent administration of President Silanyo.The verdict came despite repeated calls by rights groups to free Jamac Elmi, who has been jailed since Julay this year. It also underscored the harsh nature of Somaliland’s laws, which critics say have frequently been abused by politicians’ intent on silencing critics. The articles in question was published in Somaliland daily Somaliland government under the leadership of President Ahmed Mohamed Silanyo seems to put into operation the policy of suppressing freedom of speech which gives each and every citizen to express his/ her views without fear of retribution. Scores of people were detained over the outspoken critics to government defects which need to be addressed by those in power. During the president campaign the current president said that he will protect the right of freedom of speech but it is now obvious that the whole matter was to get elected to the presidency. It is the norm of African politicians are clever when it comes how to gain hearts when political parties are desperately vying for the top position but later on they do not fulfill their campaign promises.
SDN Hargeisa