BELEDWEYNE — Somali lawmaker Abdimalik Abdalla has condemned the alleged assault of a young man who was taking part in a peaceful demonstration in the Hoolwadaag neighbourhood of Beledweyne on Thursday.
Abdalla said the young man was deliberately attacked by a group of individuals while participating in the protest. He did not provide further details about the identities of those allegedly involved.
The lawmaker called for those responsible to be held accountable, saying the incident should be addressed through the appropriate legal and judicial channels.
“We will not allow those responsible for this incident to escape accountability,” Abdalla said.
His remarks followed reports of the alleged incident circulating in Beledweyne. Details about what led to the confrontation, the extent of any injuries and whether authorities had detained anyone were not immediately clear.
The incident comes amid broader concerns over the treatment of people taking part in public demonstrations in parts of Somalia.
