Somaliland Releases Detained Comedian actor

Maroodijeeh regional court in Somaliland has released Idirig Ilig, who goes by the stage name Sayidka Barakaysan on Tuesday. On 4th December , the media reported about his arrest after he allegedly mocked the President in a satirical video.

The Government has not yet officially commented about his arrest or accusations but there have been calls from the public and local human rights organisations demanding for his release in the past two weeks.

During the sketch Sayidka Barakaysan took aim at the President and asked his Commerce minister to make the cost of living more expensive. Some of the public have criticised the detention of the rising star whose major mission is to raise awareness on diverse issues prevailing socio political situations in the country.

Somaliland constitution article 32 guarantees one’s freedom to express his/her opinions orally, visually, artistically, writing or in any other way. This is not the first time Somaliland police have been accused of demonising freedom of expression.