Two Canadian women jailed in Somalia and facing 40 lashes were released Tuesday, according to sources. The women, who are originally from Ottawa, were accused of having consumed alcohol, which is illegal in Somaliland, a self-declared republic still internationally considered to be part of Somalia. New York-based human rights activist Jason Jeremias said Abdi was in Somaliland to help women facing gender-based violence. Lashings very rareAyan Mahamoud, a representative of Somaliland to the U.K., and the Commonwealth said being sentenced to lashings is rare in Somaliland. Global Affairs Canada said it is aware two Canadian citizens have been released and is providing consular assistance.

Source: CBC News April 23, 2019 22:41 UTC