SOLLA voices concern on harassments over lawyers in Somaliland

Hargeisa (Somaliland.com) – Somaliland Lawyers Association (SOLLA) say its deeply concerned by recurrent complaints raised by defence lawyers in Somaliland, who have reported incidents of harassment, intimidation and unfair treatment.

The association of Somaliland Lawyers has complained about obstacles and harassment from security agencies in the country while defending citizens whose rights have been violated.

Defence lawyers say they are not allowed to meet their clients in detention centres and the police refuse to disclose evidence. They say these actions it makes difficult for them to provide proper and effective legal representations.

Somaliland Lawyers Association (SOLLA) in a press statement sent to newsrooms also stated that lawyers in the country have been harassed and subjected to unfair treatment during their work.

Though article 27(1) of the Constitution of Somaliland states that, “any person who is deprived of his liberty has a right to meet as soon as possible his legal representative.” Somaliland lawyers are not allowed to meet their clients in police stations and they continue to face huge obstacles in defending citizens whose rights have been violated.

Very few lawyers are working on politically sensitive cases according to Somaliland Lawyers Association (SOLLA).

The association through its Secretary-General Jamal Hussein, Called on judges, prosecutors and police officers to respect the work of defence lawyers, treat them with dignity, and allow them to perform their work without pressure.

It also wants relevant authorities to eliminate all obstacles and allow defence lawyers to perform their tasks without hindrance.