A few weeks ago, we reported on the Nacima Abwaan, a Somaliland poet who was arrested for a poem that called for the unification of the country and neighbouring Somalia.
She had been arrested at the Hargeisa Egal International Airport upon her arrival from Mogadishu, where she performed the poem. She was sentenced to three years in prison.
According to reports, Somaliland’s President Muse Bihi on April 22, gave Nacima full pardon.
Good news from #Somaliland: Our dear sister @NacimaAbwaan is finally free. Muse Bihi, the President of Somaliland has given her full pardon. She was initially arrested for the sole reason of ‘expressing her views’. pic.twitter.com/legfuA6KkR
— Ilyas M Hussein (@IlyoZaan) April 22, 2018
I just learned that @NacimaAbwaan’s clemency papers were signed by the President, and her release papers are being processed, but she is not physically out yet. Hopefully, she will be out in couple of days. https://t.co/ArmKBPEkJm
— Zainab M. Hassan (@ZainabSirad) April 23, 2018
The news was received positively by the public, who expressed their feelings on social media.
Very good news indeed.
— Mohamed Abdullahi (@DaljireAli) April 23, 2018
Thanks to the president. I advise Nacima Abwaan not to talk about unification while in Somaliland.
— Mohamed Osman (@Mohamed90720620) April 23, 2018
He had no choice! He gave in to the pressure from the populace, because of the selective and double standard justice system that applies ONLY to some! SHAME! Unacceptable this to be a way to give BM a pass!
— MHassan (@MohamoudH) April 22, 2018
Alhamdulilaah. Sooner its or later the justice will prevail. @NacimaAbwaan was detianed for the sole reason of expressing her view. Despite the fact that S/land is self proclaimed nation, Hargeysa should observe the legality of crime and punishment with which is among its codes. https://t.co/hWMsGCnVs3
— Abdiweli Waberi (@A_Waberi) April 22, 2018
