Somaliland police have arrested an officer whose video went viral on social media Thursday, showing him slapping a young woman, authorities said.
In a statement, the police confirmed that Officer Hadi Omar Baadi had violated the force’s code of conduct and would be prosecuted.
“The Somaliland Police Command has arrested Hadi Omar Baadi, who was filmed slapping a young woman, an act that goes against the ethics and culture of the Somaliland Police Force. The accused will be brought to court immediately,” the statement read.
This is not the first time a security officer has faced prosecution for abusing a civilian. In recent years, some soldiers have been sentenced for human rights violations, while others caught on camera committing similar offences have evaded justice.
“The problem of police harassment will not change unless the system is reformed,” said lawyer Guleed Dafac, an advocate for improved police ethics.
The current Somaliland administration, which experienced police abuse during its time in opposition, has pledged to reform the country’s justice system and prison conditions.