Somalia opposition leader Abdirahman Abdishakur released

Opposition leader, Abdirahman Abdishakur was released last night with no charges after spending two days in jail. (Courtesy)

MOGADISHU—Former presidential candidate and the opposition leader, Abdirahman Abdishakur Warsame has been released with no charges after spending two days in jail for alleged treason.

The arrest of the former minister and critic of the government followed mounting pressure on the president and his UN-backed government to end an Islamist insurgency.

“Last night at midnight, they released ex-minister Abdirahman Abdishakur,” lawmaker Mahad Salad told Reuters.

Mahad added that he, other colleagues and the ex-minister were going to court on Thursday to “know the evidence on what he (Abdishakur) was first arrested.”

President Mohamed Abdullahi Mohamed government had accused Mr Abdishakur for putting the country on  political mood and helping section terror groups  that have been destabilizing the government’s effort to create  a safe and peaceful environment for the Somali people.

At a news conference after his arrest, Somalian attorney general Ahmed Ali Dahir had described Abdishakur’s house as a hub for the opposition and a gathering point for people who wanted to replace the government.