Hargeisa (SLpost)- Somaliland police have arrested several officers accused of abusing their authority after a video circulated widely on social media appeared to show the mistreatment of a civilian, the Police Command said in a statement.
According to the statement, the officers were carrying out a court-issued arrest warrant for a suspect at the time of the incident. However, the Police acknowledged that the officers exceeded their lawful authority during the operation.
“The officers involved in the incident have been arrested, and a formal investigation is underway,” the statement said. “Although they were executing a judicial arrest warrant, they engaged in abuse of power that is contrary to the discipline, ethics, and values of the police service.”
The Police Command reaffirmed its commitment to upholding the rule of law and protecting the rights of citizens, stating that any officer found to have violated professional standards or legal obligations would face appropriate legal action.
The incident has renewed public discussion about police accountability and the protection of civil rights in Somaliland. While allegations of excessive use of force or misconduct by security personnel have surfaced periodically, many cases have historically gone undocumented or unreported, often due to limited public awareness of legal rights and complaint mechanisms.
The widely shared footage and the public reaction it generated also highlight the growing role of social media in promoting transparency and accountability. Nowadays, Somaliland citizens are increasingly using digital platforms to document and report incidents they believe involve abuse of power or violations of human rights.
Observers say this trend could strengthen public oversight of state institutions by encouraging timely investigations, increasing accountability, and prompting authorities to respond more swiftly to complaints. The Police investigation remains ongoing, and no further details have been released regarding the officers involved or any potential charges.
SOURCE: Somalilandpost News
