Parliament to debate anti terrorism bill

Somalia federal parliament is scheduled today to debate the anti terrorism bill drafted by the internal security ministry.

The long awaited bill is deemed as sensitive but crucial as the country is struggling to contain terrorism related insurgency.

The bill which is pushed and promoted by the international community would give Somalia’s security and judicial establishments more teeth to deal with terror designated groups and individuals.

So far Alshabab has been designated as a terrorist organization by Somali government, United Nations and United States. The group is fighting against Somali government and seeking to overthrow.

Human Rights

Critics have however labeled the bill as a potential human rights violation tool that could be used to abuse the basic rights of the citizens.

They point out the fact that the bill was not sot subjected to public debate and is shredded with secrecy. Some charge that the bill is pushed by foreign governments who would like to see certain results achieved and that interests of the nation were not necessarily considered when drafted.

Among the key contentious professions in the bill are the period a person can be held without trial, and also the interrogation techniques to be used by the security forces.

According to a copy of the draft  accessed by Goobjoog News the bill allows the government to possess the property of anyone suspected of terrorism.

Goobjoog News