HARGEISA, Somalia, September 30, 2015 (Garowe Online)-A court in Somaliland capital of Hargeisa has ordered the release of four musicians whose arrest has been met with public outcry on Wednesday, Garowe Online reports.

The court has freed female singer Hamda Queen along with three colleagues-Niman Hilac, Mohamed Ahmed Bakal and Abdirahman Aideed Abdi (Oday).

The four were detained at Hargeisa Airport upon their return from Mogadishu, where they staged concerts.

Hargeisa Court blamed the police for the capture of Horn Stars band musicians without arrest warrant, saying they failed to present credible testimony before the court house.

Somaliland’s Minister of Internal Affairs, Ahmed Adare accused the four singers of mesmerizing crowds with songs detrimental to Somaliland’s bid for independence on Sunday.

Social media users including Somalia federal government officials reacted, launching twitter hashtag #Freehornstars. 

GAROWE ONLINE