MOGADISHU, Somalia, 04 August 2024 – The Somali Journalists Syndicate (SJS) calls on Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud to instruct his attorney general to drop the politically-motivated charges against Dawan Media director and journalist Alinur Salad, who is currently out of jail on bail.
A week has passed since Alinur Salad was released on bail, guaranteed by a member of parliament on the afternoon of Saturday, 27 July. The journalist was detained on 22 July and spent six days in detention due to his reporting about khat (a stimulant plant). Alinur reported that “after chewing at night, the Somali security forces go to sleep in the morning, giving Al-Shabaab the chance to attack and kill many soldiers.” The one-minute video report, published on Dawan TV and Alinur’s personal Facebook page, also questioned how a government official involved in the khat business for profit could claim to be building a national army. The report, which was now removed from the journalist’s platforms, is deemed critical of President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, who was allegedly part of the khat business.
Banadir Regional Court sources told SJS that on Tuesday, 23 July, the court remanded Alinur for 45 days in detention with a charge sheet forwarded by the attorney general’s office. It states five charges under the Somali penal code: Art. 220 (Offending the Honour or Prestige of the Head of the State); Art. 402 (Obscene Acts); Art. 403 (Obscene Publications and Performances); Art. 451 (Insult); Art. 452 (Defamation).
Both court sources and family representatives have informed SJS that the bail conditions prohibit Alinur from traveling and speaking to the media, effectively preventing him from conducting his journalistic work.
Family members told SJS that upon meeting President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud alongside clan elders last week, the president admitted his involvement in the journalist’s detention and promised the clan elders that he would order the attorney general to drop the charges.
“A week has passed now, and nothing has happened. It seems the president is not willing to allow Alinur’s full freedom,” one family member told SJS, requesting anonymity.
The family is also concerned for Alinur’s security.
SJS calls for President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud to tell his attorney general to drop the case and refrain seeking further retribution against Alinur Salad for exposing the khat trade. The president and other government officials should accept critical journalism that sheds light on their actions and decisions, using it as a tool for improvement and accountability. Instead of resorting to retribution or punitive measures such as jailing journalists, they should protect the freedom of the press and recognize its vital role in a transparent and democratic society.
“We are indeed very concerned that journalist and director of Dawan Media, Alinur Salad, is not yet able to conduct his journalism work because of the conditions in his bail granted a week ago. His family is also concerned for his safety after President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud failed to uphold his promise of ordering his attorney general to drop the case, which was politically-motivated,” said SJS Secretary General, Abdalle Mumin.
“We call for the president to instruct his attorney general and court officials to stop pursuing the politically-motivated charges and allow Alinur Salad his full freedom. The president should refrain from going after journalists and other critics who reveal his government’s actions. Respecting independent journalism is crucial for fostering a culture of openness, accountability, and progress in Somalia,” added Mr. Mumin.