Senate opts out of Qalbi Dhagah case pending Lower House debate
The Senate has voted to hold back debate on the extradition of ONLF senior leader Qalbi Dhagah pending debate by the Lower House barely a day after Senate Speaker Abdi Hashi promised dispose off the matter Monday.
In a seating Monday morning which was expected to debate last month’s extradition of the ONLF official, the Senators voted 21-11 in favour of staying the debate until the Lower House completes debate on it while four Senators abstained from the vote. A total of 36 Senators out of 54 attended today’s session.
Senators who spoke to Goobjoog News Sunday were upbeat on the issue noting they would ensure they members turn up for today’s session. Senate Speaker Abdi Hashi also told Goobjoog News the Senate will debate and determine the legality of the extradition today.
RELATED: ONLF spokesman calls on Senate to be firm on Qalbi Dhagah case
The Lower House failed to kick off debate on the issue Saturday after MPs among them Ministers kept off the proceedings owing to what sources said had been divisions among the lawmakers following the government’s strong push for approval of its determination last week.
The government denounced Qalbi Dhagah as a terrorist following public uproar in the wake of his extradition to Ethiopia.
READ ALSO: Senate to determine legality of Qalbi Dhagah extradition Monday
ONLF spokesman Abdikadir Hassan Hirmoge expressed hope Monday Senate would take up the challenge noting the group was dismayed by failure by the Lower House to debate the issue.