Stars band arrested over Somali flag

Members of one of Somaliland's best-known groups, the Horn Stars, have been arrested for allegedly waving Somalia's flag during a concert.

They were performing during Eid al-Adha in Somalia's capital, Mogadishu.

The four musicians are accused of holding performances which oppose Somaliland's independence.

Somaliland declared itself independent from the rest of Somalia in 1991 but this has not been recognised internationally.

The four, Nimaan Hilaa, Hamda Queen, Mahamed Ahmed Bakaal and Abdirahman Aydiid, were arrested when they returned to Somaliland's capital, Hargeisa, from Mogadishu on Sunday.

On Twitter people have started posting message of support for the musicians using the hashtag #FreeHornStars.

Somaliland's Deputy Interior Minister Ahmed Adarreh told the BBC Somali service that the musicians were employees of the government and therefore should not do anything that recognises the unity of Somalia.

The five points on the white star of Somalia's flag each represent a region where ethnic Somalis live, including Somaliland.

Another prominent musician, Khadra Silimo, told the BBC that the four were not government employees.

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