MOGADISHU/LASANOD, Somalia 06 April 2026 – Following the press release by the Somali Journalists Syndicate (SJS) on 5 April, on the unlawful arrest of journalist Abdiqani Abdirahman Mohamed, who works for Dhulmar Media, who is currently held and has been chained at the Las Anod police station, the Sool Regional Police Commissioner Khadar Mohamed Farah made a public statement regarding the journalist’s case.
In a press conference early on Monday 6 April 2026, the police chief, Khadar Mohamed Farah, apologised to the detained journalist Abdiqani Abdirahman Mohamed for the use of chains on the leg of the journalist while held at the police station — a practice that constitutes cruel, inhuman and degrading treatment in breach of the Somalia Provisional Constitution and a violation of Article 5 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) which prohibits “torture or cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment”.
He announced that several police officers, including the commander of the Farxaskule police station in Las Anood — where the journalist had been detained — have been suspended from duty.
The Sool Regional Police Chief Khadar Mohamed Farah stated: “We hereby apologize to the people of the Northeastern region, and especially to him [the journalist], who is accused, whose image — showing him shackled at the leg — was shared on social media. As soon as the image appeared on social media, the police forces, led by the Police Commissioner and all other officers, immediately launched an investigation into how the image was released. At the orders of the Police Commissioner, prompt action was taken. The officers stationed at the Farxaskule police station [Las Anod] were suspended from duty and referred for investigation. The station commander, along with all personnel present at the scene, are currently under investigation.”
Abdiqani was arrested on 26 March after publishing an interview with former presidential adviser to the Northeastern State, Abdirisak Mohamed Warsame, who stated that “federal government officials are seeking to recruit forces from Las Anod to be sent to fight in Baidoa, Southwest State”. The former adviser was also arrested, police said on 26 March. On 28 March, the journalist was transferred to the Las Anod main prison, known as Goojacadde Prison, where he is currently held.
SJS notes the Las Anod police’s swift response to suspend the officers who chained the journalist and the investigation launched. However, SJS reiterates to the police and authorities in the Northeastern region that the journalist must be immediately and unconditionally freed without further delay, and that all charges and accusations regarding his journalism must be dropped.
“Journalist Abdiqani Abdirahman Mohamed did nothing wrong. He was arrested for conducting an interview with a local politician which is in the interest of the public. His continued detention constitutes a violation of the Somali Provisional Constitution and Article 9 of the UDHR, which prohibits arbitrary arrest and detention, and of Article 19 of the UDHR, which guarantees the right to freedom of opinion and expression, including the freedom to seek, receive and impart information and ideas through any media,” said SJS Secretary General, Abdalle Mumin.
“We call on the authorities in Las Anod to immediately stop all charges against him, release him without any further delay, and cease all legal threats against him and his fellow journalists,” Mr. Mumin added.