Opposition party, Daljir to sue government over restriction on public meetings

Opposition party Daljir will sue the ministry of interior for what it terms as violation of basic citizen rights following an order by the ministry to require political parties to seek clearance before holding public meetings.

Daljir Secretary General Ahmed Mohamed Fiqi told Goobjoog News the order by the Ministry of Interior was contrary to the constitution and that his party will take legal action against the ministry.

“Article 20 section 1 of the Provisional Constitution allows for public gathering and right to peaceful demonstration. Every person has the right to organize and participate in peaceful demonstrations without having to seek permission from the state,” said Fiqi.

Security officials Saturday stopped a political party meeting noting that there were instructions from the ministry requiring political parties to first get permit from the ministry before holding any public meetings.

The ministry, it is understood noted there was need to deal with terror attacks in the city in which attackers have been targeting hotels hosting members of parliament or ministers.

A recent terror attack at Nasa-hablod hotel in Mogadishu killed at least 16 people among them environment minister Hamza Burci.