Photo: D. Hakes/Carter Center Photos

A man has his finger dipped in indelible ink after voting (file photo).

Students from the University of Djibouti protested before the Supreme Court on Tuesday (February 26th), demanding the release of opposition leaders arrested Monday.

Movement for Development and Liberty (Model) leaders Sheikhs Abdirahman Bashir and Abdirahman God were arrested for "disturbing public order" on Monday for protesting alleged fraud during last Friday's legislative elections.

Opposition Union for National Salvation (USN) spokesman Daher Ahmed Farah, USN leader Ismail Guedi Hared and USN coalition president Ahmed Youssouf have been placed under house arrest.

Protests have continued despite the government's interdiction, with high school students joining in the fracas and clashing with police. Two policemen have reportedly been injured, and dozens of youth have been arrested.

Young protesters Abdallah Awad and Kassim Mohamed Ali told Sabahi that they feel the regime has become increasingly repressive. "They want to muzzle us, but they will not succeed because the time has come for change," Ali said.