The Demand for justice and Immediate release of the seven Somali Mothers in the Bosaso prison in Puntland Somalia 

(Boosaaso,  Jan 23, 2012 Ceegaag Online)

By: Mohamud Shalab

Twenty eight Somali mothers were unjustly arrested three weeks ago. Since then all except seven have been released. The Puntland state of Somalia didn't bother to follow the proper protocol and instead incarcerated the women based on unfounded suspicions. Arrests should only be carried out if there is probable cause that a person may be involved in the crime. However, in this case there was no probable cause making this a false arrest. It is worth mentioning that these women were framed for something that they did not do. 

            The prisons in the port city of Bosaso is already overflowing with innocent people. Women in this instance who have not committed any crimes cannot afford to be held in the prison facility any longer as they have served time for no reason, especially when there are actual criminals still in the society. These women have no one financially supporting their children, therefore it is imperative that they be released immediately so that they can get to their daily tasks.  

            Consequently, this is not the first instance of a  egregious of civil and human right's violation. It is a common occurrence in Somalia especially in Puntland, where women and children are routinely subjected to abuse and poor treatment. They also suffer some of the worst atrocities pertaining to basic rights by the ruling officials. They do not deserve this treatment, as women are the ones to contribute betterment and focus on attaining a brighter future for the next generation. Thus it is very rare to find women involved in acts of violence as it is mainly men that are the potential  perpetrators. They can act on their internal issues and find solutions for themselves before outside involvement is needed, therefore human right's watch needs to spread awareness to help the plight of the people in this region. 

            Furthermore, the Puntland administration should appoint an independent team of investigators that can find who was responsible for the fire in Bosaso. This fire caused many people to have their privately owned businesses, homes and lives destroyed. The authorities did not allow anyone to rebuild their businesses or homes which lead some to believe that the administration played some kind of role in who started the fire. Some of the women who are imprisoned, owned and were dependent on the small businesses that burned down. Not only have they lost their freedom but they have lost their livelihood as well.

            The women should be released without condition so that they could be with their children. If they continue to have their human rights violated and are not released without condition it would create violence and reprisal within the community. The people have already lost faith in their government so incarcerating possibly innocent women without a fair trial would not help them regain popularity. Human right's organizations should realize and pay attention to what is going on. Calling for awareness is the first step. the second step would be to take action and help fight against this kind of oppression. If the government acts responsibly and does the right thing perhaps this might restore faith for the citizens. The social injustice in Puntland.can no longer be tolerated, people are fed up and want justice to prevail. The fight for freedom has moved to the Galgala mountains it is clear that this started because of a lack of social justice. Unfortunately the administration labelled these people as members of the Al Shabaab, but the reality isn't so, and is contrary on their sentiment. The Bossaso population had an uprising due to the corruption and unfair treatment. If the abuse and marginalization does not end eventually the people will turn against their government and will refuse to cooperate with them. Puntlandonce was the most peaceful region in Somalia it may not remain this way with the corrupt system. The Puntland state of government should review their policies and treat everyone equally and fairly. 

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