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Three Somali MPs Arrested in Semi-autonomous Region
Three members of parliament (MPs) of the Somali interim government had been detained but were later released on bail on Wednesday night in the semi-autonomous region of Puntland.
According to reports reaching here in Mogadishu, four MPs belonging to clans originating from Puntland had gone to Garoweh town for their vacation when they were attacked and arrested.
Angry youngsters had caned the MPs with sticks and later the police of the town took three of the MPs to the police station while the other one escaped, An eyewitness in Garoweh town said.
Sultan Saeed Mohamed Garasseh, traditional leader of the town, admitted ordering the detention of the MPs.
He told reporters that the MPs, belonging to the Transitional National Government (TNG), had created tension and confusion within the town and the people of Puntland.
Garasseh was one of the clan elders who had actively participated in the country's peace process which culminated in the establishment of the interim government.
"I have changed my heart when the TNG has changed its heart by attending the fighting in the Lower and Middle Jubba regions," he said.
"They were supposed to go for mediations not for siding with one of the groups," he complained.
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