Somaliland frees female singer jailed for 'critical' rap song
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Friday April 26, 2024 - 19:47:48 in Latest News by Horn Observer Contributor
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HARGEISA (HORN OBSERVER) – In a significant development for freedom of expression, Somaliland authorities have released Ugbaad Mohamud Abdi, a female singer, after nearly a week in detention for a rap song deemed critical by authorities.
Ugbaad Mohamud Abdi, known by her stage name Ugbaad Aragsan, was released on Thursday following the withdrawal of charges by the prosecution, as confirmed by her lawyer.
The young singer had been held since Tuesday of the previous week in Hargeisa, the capital of Somaliland.
"I am free now. I am safe and had received a nice treat in the detention,” she briefly told media inside the detention.
The detention of Ugbaad sparked widespread concern and condemnation, drawing attention to the state of artistic freedom and freedom of speech in the region.
Somaliland police had initially accused her of "spreading immorality on social media that goes against religious and moral values,” as stated in a release on their Facebook page last Tuesday.
Ugbaad Mohamud Abdi, recognized for her musical talent, often employs her art as a platform to voice political opinions and concerns to the public.
In a recent performance, she delivered a rap song featuring lyrics critical of the Somaliland-Ethiopian deal, including the powerful phrase "don’t sell the sea, don’t hand us over to Lafta Nagaa.”
The arrest and subsequent release of Ugbaad have reignited the concerns about the boundaries of artistic expression and the protection of freedom of speech in Somaliland.
Many have lauded her courage in using her music to address pressing social and political issues, while others have raised concerns about the authorities’ response to dissenting voices.
As Somaliland navigates the delicate balance between security concerns and civil liberties, the case of Ugbaad Aragsan serves as a poignant reminder of the challenges facing artists, journalists and activists in Somaliland.
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Somaliland frees female singer jailed for 'critical' rap song
HARGEISA (HORN OBSERVER) – In a significant development for freedom of expression, Somaliland authorities have released Ugbaad Mohamud Abdi, a female singer, after nearly a week in detention for a rap song deemed critical by authorities.