Somaliland Police Jail comedian for mocking President

Somaliland Police arrested Idiris Ilig who goes by the stage name Sayidka Barakaysan after he performed a skit that mocked the incumbent President. Throughout the first 23 seconds of the clip he showed a Notice stating that the film does not apply to anyone in particular.

The government has not yet officially commented on this matter or even whether his detention relates to his latest video which has widely circulated on social media for the past three days. During the sketch Sayidka Barakaysan took aim at the President and asked his Commerce minister to make the cost of living more expensive.

Some members 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. Few months ago, Police in Burao detained a man who recited a poem critical of the President and he was later released.