The Federal Government of Somalia (FGS) now faces increased calls to release a former Al-Shabaab leader.
The deafening calls were loud and clear on Thursday August 13 in Baidoa.
Protestors took to the streets to demand for the unconditional release of Mukhtaar Robow, who has been in detention in a Mogadishu prison for the last 20 months.
The demonstrators called his detention “improper” while carrying placards written, “Justice Must Prevail.”
Furthermore, the protestors blamed the government for carrying out “arbitrary arrests and detentions” of people with dissenting opinions.
Local authorities around Baidoa have received public petitions from different quarters.
Consequently, the law requires the authorities to table the petition before President Mohamed Farmaajo’s administration in Mogadishu for further action.
Most of the protestors were reportedly from Southwest state, where Robow enjoys incredible support from the locals.
According to the protestors, Farmaajo victimized Robow for the amazing popularity and influence he exercised in the region.