Opposition group leader calls for arrest of officer who fired at protestors in Mogadishu

Opposition leader and former president Sharif Sheikh Ahmed has called for the arrest and prosecution of a police officer who was captured on video brandishing a gun and firing at protesters in Mogadishu.

Addressing the media in Mogadishu Saturday, Sharif, who is also the Council of Presidential Candidates Union chairman said the officer reportedly attached to the national intelligence agency (NISA) must face prosecution.

In the video, the officer is seen pointing a pistol at female protestors and also firing at other

protestors.The former head of state also called for the release of the people who have in recent protests been arrested by police noting they were withing their constitutional rights to demonstrate against the government.

Meanwhile sources close to the opposition factions said the leaders had formed their own security teams to protect their supporters during protests.

The latest move by the opposition is likely to exacerbate an already fragile situation in the city as fears of violence abound.

Security personnel dispersed protesters last week with reports that some fired live bullets at the opposition supporters.

Several people were injured in the protests which hit various parts of the city.

The Opposition has demanded for the dissolution of the interim federal elections team terming it as packed with the president’s loyalists.

source hiiraan