By HAN News Desk
MOGADISHU — Somalia’s Lower House of Parliament was on Tuesday presented with the Police Law for approval, but the session was overshadowed by sharp controversy after many Members of Parliament boycotted the bill, calling for it to be returned for further review and its approval suspended.
Lawmakers opposing the bill said it contains several controversial provisions that remain unclear, particularly those concerning the rights and duties of the police.
They argued that some powers granted to the police lack clear legal justification, while others warned that the draft law contains legal flaws that must be corrected before it is brought back before Parliament.
MP Fa’iso Jeyte strongly criticized the conduct of the police, citing past incidents she said demonstrate a failure to enforce existing laws.
“The police do not operate according to the law. Journalists had their equipment confiscated, a court ruled on the matter, yet the equipment is still in police custody. So where is this law-abiding police force?” she asked.
Similarly, MP Abddinur cited another incident he described as evidence of a breakdown in discipline and respect for rank within the security forces.
“A police colonel who is an instructor reportedly threatened a senior colonel the other day, saying, ‘How can you talk to me like that?’ This is extremely dangerous,” he said.
Much of the criticism was directed at the Banadir Regional Police Commander, whom several MPs accused of violating the existing Police Law and issuing orders described as unlawful.
Opposition MPs called for a comprehensive review of the disputed provisions and urged that the bill be fully aligned with the Constitution and other national laws before being resubmitted to the Lower House for approval.
