(06-02-24) HARGEISA (Halqabsi News) — The Maroodi Jeex regional court sentenced poet Abdirahman Abees to one year and six months in prison. The sentence was handed down on Tuesday, following Abees’ arrest in Hargeisa on Monday over a familial complaint rather than his politically charged literary work, in a ruling that has ignited discussions on freedom of expression and familial obligations.
Abees, known for his critical views expressed in the book “Mayal,” which scrutinises President Muse Bixi’s government, found himself entangled in legal troubles stemming from a complaint by his father, Ibrahim Adan. Adan accused his son of disobedience, an allegation that led to the poet’s arrest at the Koodbur police station in Hargeisa.
The case against Abees was propelled by a letter from the regional prosecutor’s office, brought forth by his father on the 4th of this month, citing the poet’s alleged disobedience. This personal dispute has cast a shadow over Abees’ recent legal challenges and has introduced a complex narrative to his ongoing critique of the Somaliland government.
“Mayal,” Abees’ book that led to his previous arrest and subsequent release from prison, has been a point of contention in Somaliland, especially after the government’s initial ban on its exhibition for two years. Though the ban was later lifted, allowing its publication by Hiil Press, the poet’s latest arrest underlines ongoing tensions between the state and voices of dissent.
This legal development has been further complicated by conflicting statements from Abees’ family regarding the circumstances of his arrest and the involvement of government forces, with Abees’ mother alleging previous targeting of her son by Somaliland forces.
The sentencing of Abdirahman Abees has stirred debates within Somaliland and beyond, highlighting the intricate balance between upholding law and order and ensuring the protection of individual rights and freedom of expression. As the poet faces 18 months behind bars, the case remains a poignant example of the challenges faced by critics in regions where the line between personal grievances and political activism is increasingly blurred.
Halqabsi News
