Tuesday September 3, 2024
Hargeisa (HOL) — The Somaliland House of Representatives has dismissed charges against MP Mohamed Abiib, rejecting an effort by the prosecutor's office to strip him of his parliamentary immunity. The decision was made during an emergency session convened after Abiib's controversial arrest, which has sparked major concern among his family and supporters.
Out of 57 MPs present, 51 voted against the charges, 3 supported them, and 2 abstained. This decision effectively nullifies the case against Abiib, who remains in custody at Mandheera Prison. The charges had included accusations of treason, defaming the military, aiding the enemy, and opposing national interests. Tensions over Abiib's detention reached a boiling point during the parliamentary session, leading to a physical altercation between MPs Barkhat Jama Batun and Jamal Jah, which was captured on video.
The arrest has been condemned by the Speaker of the House and opposition parties, who argue it violates the constitution.
Abiib's arrest at Hargeisa's Egal Airport upon his return from the United Arab Emirates has raised alarms among his family, who have struggled to verify his condition or even his exact location. Limited communication with Abiib has left his family increasingly anxious, particularly following unconfirmed reports of possible physical abuse while in custody.
"We cannot confirm his health status, but there are reports of injuries," said Abdulqadir Abiib, the MP's brother. "Unfortunately, we don't have any official information."
The family has made repeated attempts to visit Abiib but has faced numerous obstacles. Prison officials informed them they needed a legal visitation permit, and by the time they arrived at Mandheera Prison, visitation hours had ended. Their efforts to secure a meeting with Somaliland President Muse Bihi Abdi, who is currently in Borama, were also unsuccessful, as elders representing the family were reportedly denied a meeting.
The family continues to question the legality of Abiib's detention, noting that no formal charges have been filed. Opposition figures have echoed these concerns, condemning the arrest as a violation of the constitution.
Earlier this year, a similar incident occurred when the Permanent Committee of the Somaliland House of Representatives impeachment case against Abiib illegal due to procedural errors and insufficient grounds for the charges. During that session, only 49 MPs were present, falling short of the required 55 for a quorum, leading to the adjournment of the session and dismissal of the case.