GAROWE, Somalia – Puntland’s President Said Abdullahi Deni has signed into law a new anti-terrorism bill that grants sweeping powers to security agencies in the semi-autonomous Somali region, sparking concerns over potential constitutional violations.
The “Puntland Anti-Terrorism Law,” passed by the regional parliament in late July, allows security forces to carry out home searches without a judicial warrant and to monitor phone communications of individuals suspected of terrorist links.
The legislation was officially enacted on October 8 following President Deni’s signature and publication in the region’s official gazette, making it legally binding.
The new measures have raised alarm among legal experts and civil rights groups, who say the law may contradict Article 21 of the Puntland Constitution, which protects citizens from warrantless searches and surveillance except in emergencies.
Under the new law, individuals found guilty of joining, aiding, or financing terrorist organizations face harsh penalties, including prison terms of up to 20 years, or the death penalty in extreme cases.
Authorities say the law will apply retroactively to those currently imprisoned on terrorism-related charges.
Puntland has been engaged in intensified military operations against Islamic State (ISIS) militants entrenched in parts of the Bari region. President Deni has vowed to target not only fighters but also those providing logistical or ideological support to the group.
