Jun 06, 2014

Somaliland: New Counter-Terrorism Bill Evokes Criticism Among Civil Society


In Somaliland, the Cabinet recently took a big step by approving a new bill on combating terrorism. However, the ambiguous rules have raised concerns among civil society leaders, who see the new law as a prelude to widespread human rights violations. 

 

Below is an article published by AllAfrica:

 

Civil society leaders in the Somaliland region have called on lawmakers to reject the draft bill on Combating and Preventing Terrorism, which they say violates human rights, Radio Ergo reported Tuesday [3 June  2014].

"The new law would prohibit fair trial and the right to defence, freedom of movement and freedom of association. Therefore, it violates both Somaliland's constitution and international law," said Mowlid Farah Muse, executive director of the Somaliland Human Rights Centre.

The cabinet approved the bill for review by the House of Representatives and House of Elders last week. In its current draft form, it grants security services sweeping powers to track phone and internet activity, empowers police to make arrests without warrants, and allows secret court hearings that exclude defendants and their representatives from attending.

"The bill is vague and ambiguous as it can be used to prosecute anyone as a terrorist," Hargeisa lawyer Mohamed Abukar said, urging lawmakers to amend the bill before it is passed.