Hiiraan Online
Monday, September 28, 2015
HARGEISA (HOL) ---One of four Somali musicians arrested by security forces in the breakaway Somaliland region in northern Somalia on Sunday said that soldiers in the jail have beaten him and his colleagues and taken away their cash during an interrogation on Monday.
The musicians from the Hargeisa-based Horn Stars band who performed a music show in Mogadishu were arrested upon their arrival at Egal airport in Hargeisa, the capital of Somaliland. Sources close to the police told media that arrests were made after a warrant arrest by the police chief.
Nimcaan Hilaac who has a scant internet mobile access said in one post on his Facebook page that soldiers have informed them that they would be taken to the court for trial, however, charges against them haven’t so far been publicized.
“I am a Somali singer, I am musician for every Somali speaking person – They have confiscated $3500 money from me as ransom.” He said in one post, calling his fans to pray for his release.
Somaliland government accused the musicians of violating the sovereignty of the region. The arrests has drawn a widespread criticism from Somalis across the world who rallied behind the young popular musicians.
The new music band has hit airwaves across Somalia and beyond for the past two years and has largely draw the attention of youth. Most of their music art focuses on love and Somalia culture.
Somaliland sees Somalia as an obstacle hindering its struggle towards efforts aimed at gaining an international recognition as it seeks an independence from the rest of Somalia.
Somaliland has declared a unilateral independence from the rest of Somalia in 1991, however, no country has so far recognized it as an independent state.