حالة حرية الصحافة في الصومال عام 2020: تزايد التهديدات والعنف ضد الصحفيين مع إفلات تام من العقاب

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February 3, 2021

صورة الغلاف: التقرير السنوي لنقابة الصحفيين الصوماليين 2020

مقديشو ، الصومال ، 3 فبراير 2021 – على مدار عام 2020 ، استمرت حرية الصحافة والصحفيون العاملون في الصومال في مواجهة تهديدات خطيرة , واحتفظ الصومال بموقع الذي لا يحسد عليه كواحد من أخطر البلدان لممارسة الصحافة على مستوى العالم

لا تزال التهديدات والهجمات من المسؤولين الحكوميين والأفراد ومتمردي حركة الشباب المسلحة ضد الصحفيين مستمرة وفي أعلى مستوايتها

للعام الخامس على التوالي ، تتصدر الصومال المؤشر العالمي للجنة حماية الصحفيين للإفلات من العقاب بالنسبة للبلدان التي يفلت فيها مرتكبو الجرائم ضد الصحفيين من الملاحقة القضائية. فشلت السلطات الصومالية – سواء على المستوى الفيدرالي أو في الولايات الإقليمية – مرارًا وتكرارًا في التحقيق في حالات القتل أو الاعتداء على الصحفيين ووسائل الإعلام والنقاد في عام 2020

يتعرض الصحفيون الذين يسعون إلى الإبلاغ عن القضايا الأمنية ومخالفات المسؤولين الحكوميين وانتهاكات حقوق الإنسان للمضايقات والترهيب ، واضطر العديد منهم إلى اللجوء إلى الرقابة الذاتية. بينما يمر البلد الآن بمرحلة انتقالية ويستعد لإجراء انتخاباته ، ازدادت المشاكل

بالإضافة إلى العنف المستمر ضد الصحفيين ، فرضت السلطات في الصومال قانونًا صارمًا للإعلام يقيد حرية التعبير ، ويفرض الرقابة على الصحفيين ويفرض عقوبات قاسية على أي تقرير يعتبر نقدا للحكومة مثل الإبلاغ عن الأمن القومي أو حتى تدقيق المسؤولين الحكوميين

كان عام 2020 عامًا آخر مروعًا لوسائل الإعلام والصحفيين الصوماليين. قُتل صحفيان إذاعيان وجُرح أربعة آخرون – نصف الاعتداءات نفذتها قوات أمن الدولة، و اعتقل بشكل تعسفي 56 صحفياً ، وأغلبهم اعتقلوا من رجال الشرطة وجهاز الأمن الوطني وعملاء الأجهزة الأمنية في الولايات الإقليمية. كما داهمت السلطات المحلية خمس محطات إعلامية وأغلقها في جميع أنحاء البلاد على مدار العام وفي كل حالة ، تقاعست السلطات عن فتح أي تحقيق ذي مصداقية لضمان تقديم الجناة للمحاكمة

استهدف مسؤولو الدولة في مقديشو وبونتلاند وغالمودوغ وهيرشابيل وجنوب غرب االصومال وجوبالاند وصوماليلاند بشكل خاص الصحفيين الذين يغطون مواضيع مختلفة بما في ذلك على سبيل المثال لا الحصر جائحة مثل حوادث انعدام الأمن ،قضية التعامل مغ مرض كوفيد 19 والشكاوى المتعلقة بالحملات الانتخابية ، وعواقب هجمات حركة الشباب، الفساد وسوء إدارة الموارد العامة

كما أدى تغطية المظاهرات ، وخاصة تلك المعروفة بأنها مناهضة للحكومة ، إلى قيام الشرطة بإجراءات ضد الصحفيين. ما يقرب من 90٪ من الاعتداءات تحدث أثناء قيام الصحفيين بعملهم وأثناء مرورهم عبر نقاط التفتيش الأمنية

على الرغم من الالتزامات الشفوية من قبل الرئيس محمد عبد الله فرماجو بإلغاء تجريم الصحافة وإجراء إصلاحات على القانون المحلي – مثل قانون العقوبات الصومالي القديم لعام 1964 ، والذي يستخدم على نطاق واسع لمقاضاة الصحفيين – استمرت الهجمات والاعتقالات ضد الصحفيين

كما فشل المدعي العام الصومالي في تنفيذ الوعد بتعيين مدعٍ خاص على المستوى الوطني يمكنه التحقيق مع قتلة الصحفيين ومحاكمتهم. إذا تم تحقيق ذلك ، كان من الممكن أن يقلل من الاعتداءات على الصحفيين وكان يمكن أن يضع حدا لثقافة الإفلات من العقاب لقتلة الصحفيين

يغطي هذا التقرير انتهاكات عام 2020 ضد الصحفيين وحرية الصحافة بما في ذلك التهديدات والمضايقات والاعتقالات والرقابة والاعتداءات وقتل الصحفيين في الصومال بما في ذلك أرض الصومال. يستند التقرير المقدم هنا إلى مقابلات مع صحفيين محليين ومديري وسائل الإعلام وأفراد عائلات الصحفيين المتضررين وممثلي المجتمع المدني والمسؤولين الحكوميين. قامت نقابة الصحفيين الصوماليين ، وهي منظمة صحفية مستقلة تهدف إلى دعم الصحفيين الصوماليين والتحدث إليهم في جميع أنحاء البلاد ، بتوثيق وتأكيد هذه الحالات من 1 يناير إلى 31 ديسمبر 2020

يمكنك تنزيل التقرير الكامل هنا

عبد الله أحمد مؤمن
أمين عام نقابة الصحفيين الصوماليين
30 يناير 2021

State of Press Freedom in Somalia in 2020: Threats and Violence Against Journalists on the Rise With Total Impunity

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February 3, 2021

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COVER PHOTO: SJS Annual Report - State of Press Freedom in Somalia in 2020.

MOGADISHU, Somalia, 3 February, 2021 – Over the course of the year 2020, press freedom and journalists working in Somalia continue to face serious threats. Somalia maintains its unenviable title as one of the most dangerous countries to practice journalism globally. Threats and attacks from government officials, private individuals and the militant al-Shabaab insurgency remain the norm.

For the fifth year in a row, Somalia tops the Committee to Protect Journalists’ (CPJ) Global Impunity Index for countries where the perpetrators against journalists escape prosecution. Authorities -whether in the federal level or the regional states- repeatedly failed to investigate cases of killings or attacks on journalists, media outlets and critics in 2020.

Journalists seeking to report on security issues, wrongdoings of state officials and human rights abuses have regularly faced harassment and intimidation and many have been compelled to resort to self-censorship. As the country is now in transition and prepares to hold its elections, the problems have increased further.

In addition to the ongoing violence against journalists, authorities in Somalia have imposed a draconian media law that restricts freedom of expression, censors’ journalists and administers harsh punishments for any reporting considered critical of the state such as reporting national security or even scrutinizing public officials.

The year 2020 has been another terrible one for the media and Somali journalists. Two broadcast journalists were killed and four others injured– with half of the attacks committed by the state security forces. Predominantly police, NISA and agents of security services in the regional states arbitrarily arrested 56 journalists. Authorities also raided and shuttered five media houses across the country throughout the year. In each case, authorities have failed to open any credible investigation to ensure that perpetrators are brought to book.

State officials in Mogadishu, Puntland, Galmudug, Hirshabelle, South West State, Jubbaland and in Somaliland have particularly targeted journalists reporting various topics including but not limited to Covid19 pandemic, aftermath of al-Shabaab attacks, insecurity incidents, election campaigns-related complaints, corruption and mismanagement of public resources.

Covering demonstrations, mainly those are known to be anti-government, have also sparked police actions against journalists. Almost 90% of the attacks occur while journalists were on duty and while going through security checkpoints.

Despite verbal commitments by president Mohamed Abdullahi Farmajo to decriminalize journalism and carry out reform of local laws— such as the outdated Somali Penal Code of 1964, which is widely used to prosecute journalists — attacks and arrests of journalists continued.

The Somali Attorney General has also failed to implement a promised appointment of a national level special prosecutor that can investigate and prosecute killers of the journalists. If fulfilled, this could have reduced attacks against journalists and could have ended the culture of impunity for the journalists’ killers.

This report covers 2020 violations against the journalists and the freedom of the press including threats, harassment, arrests, censorship, attacks and killings of journalists in Somalia including Somaliland. The report presented here is based on interviews with local journalists, media directors, family members of affected journalists, civil society representatives and government officials. The Somali Journalists Syndicate, an independent journalists’ organization designed to support and speak out for Somali journalists countrywide, has documented and confirmed these cases from 1 January to 31 December 2020.

DOWNLOAD THE FULL REPORT HERE

Abdalle Ahmed Mumin
Secretary General, Somali Journalists Syndicate (SJS)
30 January 2021

SJS, Barrister Michael Polak of Church Court Chambers and Justice Abroad call for Puntland authorities to drop charges and free journalist Kilwe

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February 2, 2021

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campaign — Members of the media community protested against the prolonged detention of freelance journalist Kilwe. Photo: SJS

MOGADISHU, Somalia/ LONDON, UK 2 February 2021 – Somali Journalists Syndicate (SJS) and Barrister Michael Polak of Church Court Chambers and Justice Abroad strongly condemn the continued detention of freelance journalist Kilwe Adan Farah by Puntland authorities since December 27, 2020 over politically motivated charges and calls for his unconditional release.

On the evening of 27 December 2020, officers from PISA (Puntland Intelligence & Security Agency) in Garowe, the capital of Puntland State, detained journalist Kilwe, who reports for Kilwe Media Inc, a Facebook news page he co-founded. The arrest came a day after anti-inflation protest hit Garowe town, which Kilwe covered. Mr Kilwe’s broadcast of the protests were shared widely and it is believe that this is why he was seized. He was held at undisclosed PISA detention without the access of family and lawyers in contravention of Article 27 of Puntland’s Constitution which provides that an accused person shall not be detained in a facility that is not legally recognized and that the accused be brought before a court of law within 48 hours.

On Monday 11 January 2021, without the knowledge of his family and without the presence of lawyers, Kilwe was transferred to Garowe central prison and was reportedly charged with “attempted murder” by the Puntland military court. Family members said they did not see the charge sheet but that the charges were only read to them by a military court official. Further, no information as to who Kilwe was alleged to have attempted to murder was provided and it is understood that no evidence exists.

According to defense lawyer Avv. Mustafe Mohamed Jama, Kilwe appeared before the military court on Tuesday morning 2 February 2020, but the Prosecution was not able to provide enough evidence in regards to the charges pressed against the journalist for the court to accept the case. The lawyer also wrote the military court questioning the court’s jurisdiction over Kilwe case.

Avv. Mustafe Mohamed Jama, the lawyer defending journalist Kilwe said:

“According to article 87 of the Puntland Constitution, the military court only has jurisdiction over members of the armed forces and therefore the military court has no jurisdiction over Kilwe’s case as he is a journalist and therefore a civilian. We have requested the court to give Kilwe’s freedom back,” Lawyer Mustafe Mohamed Jama wrote to the military court on Tuesday morning.

Barrister Michael Polak from Church Court Chambers and Justice Abroad who is working as a team with Mr Jama and the Somali Journalists Syndicate has submitted applications to the United Nations’ Working Group on Arbitrary Detention, UN Working Group on Enforced and Involuntary Disappearances, the UN Special Rapporteurs on Freedom of Opinion and Expression, and the UN Special Rapporteur on Torture. The legal team has also reached out to Somalia’s international partners to raise Kilwe’s plight.

On 1 February 2021, Kilwe was nominated among the 10 Most Urgent Press Freedom cases for February 2021 by the One Free Press Coalition, which is an international coalition of media houses and organizations that stand up for journalists under attack for pursuing the truth worldwide.

Abdalle Ahmed Mumin, Secretary General of the Somali Journalists Syndicate said:

“Curtailing press freedom through intimidation and false charges is alarming and is against both Federal and Puntland constitutions which guarantee the freedom of the press. We call for the Puntland authorities to immediately and unconditionally release Kilwe and allow him to freely exercise his journalistic duties without fear or reprisals.”

Michael Polak, Justice Abroad and Church Court Chambers said:

“It is frightening that someone like Kilwe can be disappeared for 16 days simply for reporting the news. This is in breach of Puntland’s legal provisions as well as the obligations of Somalia under international law. It is imperative that the Puntland Authorities heed the call to release Kilwe so he can return to his wife and children. “

SJS waxay cambaareyneysaa xarigga wariyayaasha ee Galmudug, Hirshabeelle iyo Somaliland; gelitaanka Radio Hiiraanweyn iyo hanjabaadyo ka timid madaxda dowlad goboleedyada

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January 24, 2021

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Weriyayaal ka baxsanaya booliska Muqdisho xilli ay boolisku weerareen dad dibaxbayayey 17kii Disembar 2020. — Weriyayaal ka baxsanaya booliska Muqdisho xilli ay boolisku weerareen dad dibad-bayayey 17kii Disembar 2020. | PHOTO/SJS / Private.

MUQDISHO, Soomaaliya, 24 Jannaayo 2021 – Ururka Suxufiyiinta Soomaaliyeed (SJS) wuxuu cambaareynayaa xarigga sharci darrada ee weriyayaasha ee ugu dambeeyay ee ka dhacay Galmudug, Hirshabelle iyo Somaliland, gelitaanka Radio Hiiraanweyn iyo hadallada hanjabaadaha ah ee ka yimid madaxda dowlad gobolleedyada qaarkood xilli ay sii kordhayaan xadgudubyada ka dhanka ah saxaafadda dalka.

16kii Jannaayo, Booliska magaalada Boorame waxay xabsiga u taxaabeen afar saxafi oo kala ah; Xuseen Caateeye Gaafane oo ka howlgala Universal TV; Cabdillaahi Daahir Waceys oo ka howlgala SAAB TV; Axmed Diiriye Ciiltire oo ka hawlgala SBC TV iyo Shuceyb Maxamed Kaahin oo ka howlgala Bulsho TV. Xarigga suxufiyiintan ayaa yimid ka gadaal markii ay tebiyeen safar qarsoodi ah oo Duqa magaalada Boorame, Saleebaan Xasan Xaddi uu u baxay xilli uu socdo baaritaan hantidhowrka la xiriira oo lagu hayey golaha maamulka magaalada Boorame. Afarta weriye wax eed ah laguma soo oogin, waxaana lagu sii daayay shuruud la’aan Arbacadii 20ka Janaayo.

Suxufiyiinta kala ah: Xuseen Caateeye Gaafane oo ka howlgala Universal TV; Cabdillaahi Daahir Waceys oo ka howlgala SAAB TV; Axmed Diiriye Ciiltire oo ka hawlgala SBC TV iyo Shuceyb Maxamed Kaahin oo ka howlgala Bulsho TV oo lagu xiray Boorame 16kii Jannaayo 2021.

Subaxnimadii Arbacada ee 20ka Jannaayo, shan askari oo hubeysan oo ka tirsan xafiiska madaxweyne ku xigeenka Hirshabelle, Yusuf Axmed Hagar ayaa weerar ku qaaday xarunta idaacadda Hiiraanweyn iyagoo handaday shaqaalihii idaacadda, kaddibna xabsiga u taxaabay weriye Cumar Muxudiin Cumar ooay ku eedeeyeen inuusameeyay bog Facebook oo lagu dhaliilay madaxweyne ku xigeenka Hirshabelle, balse eedahaas suxufigu wuu iska diiday. Sida uu Cumar u sheegay SJS, kaddib 24 saac oo lagu hayey saldhigga booliska ayaa la geeyay maxkamadda Gobolka Hiiraan isagoo bilaa qareen ah. Maxkamadda waxay siideysay weriye Cumar Khamiidtii 21ka Jannaayo, maadaama eedihii loo heystay loo waayey wax caddeyn ah.

Weriyaha Radio Hiiraanweyn, Cumar Muxidiin Cumar oo lagu xiray Beledweyne 20kii Jannaayo, 2021.

20kii Jannaayo, booliska magaalada Dhuusamareeb ee Galmudug ayaa xabsiga u taxaabay Maxamed Cabdiweli Tooxow oo u shaqeeya Universal TV iyo Radio Kulmiye iyo Cabdullahi Warsame Rooble oo u shaqeeya SNTV. Sida ay suxufiyiintu iyo sarkaal ka dhisan Wasaarada Warfaafinta Galmudug u sheegeen SJS, suxufiyiinta ayaa lagu xiray ammarka saraakiil ka tirsan madaxtooyada Galmudug sababo la xiriira waribixino suxufiyiintu dhowaan ka tebiyeen weerarada Al-Shabaab ee gobolka. Labada suxufi ayaa la sii daayay 21kii Jannaayo iyagoo wax eedeyn ah lagu oogin.

Maxamed Cabdiwali Tooxoow (bidix) iyo Cabdullaahi Warsame Rooble oo lagu xiray Dhuusamareeb 20kii Jannaayo, 2021. — Maxamed Cabdiwali Tooxoow, oo ka hawlgala Universal TV/ Radio Kulmiye (bidix) iyo Cabdullaahi Warsame Rooble, oo ka hawlgala SNTV, oo lagu xiray Dhuusamareeb 20kii Jannaayo, 2021.

13kii Jannaayo, booliska Dowladda Federalka Soomaaliya ayaa garaacay, horjoogsina ku sameeyay weriye Maxamuud Nuur Maxamuud oo ka hawlgala Radio Simba ee magaalada Muqdisho. Suxufiga ayaa xiligaas isku dayey inuu muuqaalo kasoo duubo goob uu qarax ka dhacay oo ku taalla suuqa Bakaaraha ee Muqdisho. Sida weriye Maxamuud u sheegay SJS, ma uusan sii wadin muuqaalladii uu duubayey, wuxuuna dib ugu noqday xaruntii idaacadda.

Weriyaha Radio Simba, Maxamuud Nuur Maxamuud oo lagu garaacay shaqadiisana la joojiyay Muqdisho 13kii Jannaayo, 2021.

17kii Jannaayo, Madaxweynaha Puntland Siciid Cabdullahi Deni, oo u khudbeynayay askar cusub oo boolis ah tababar ugu soo dhammaaday magaalada Qardho, ayaa uga digay dadka mamulkiisa ku dhaliila baraha bulshada inay caddaaladda la tiigsan doonaan, isagoo sheegay in “Booliska Puntland ay xiri doonaan kuwa Facebook ku caaya masuuliyiinta dowladda iyo dadka facebook-ga u isticmaala kicin dadweyne”. Madaxweyne Deni wuxuu sidoo kale ku hanjabay in denbi lagu soo oogi doono dadka dhaliila maamulka goor walba iyo meelkasta oo ay joogaan.

19kii Jannaayo, Madaxweynaha Galmudug Axmed Cabdi Kaahiye (Qoorqoor), oo dadweyne kula hadlayay magaalada Gaalkacyo, ayaa ugu hanjabay suxufiyiinta iyo warbaahinta inay ‘cawaaqib uusan sheegin’ la kulmi doonaan haddii ay buunbuuniyaan wararka ku saabsan ‘dhibaatada ay geysanayaan’ Al-Shabab isagoo yiri, “Kuwii buunbuuniya dhibaatada ay geystaan argagixisada waxa ay la mid yihiin argagixisada, waana la dagaalameynaa”.

“Ururka Suxufiyiinta Soomaaliyeed wuxuu cambaareynayaa xarigga loo geystay suxufiyiinta kala jooga Dhuusamareeb, Boorame iyo Beledweyne. Waxaan aad uga walaacsanahay beegsiga ka dhanka ah suxufiyiinta ee sii kordhaya ka hor doorashooyinka la filayo inay dalka ka dhacaan,” ayuu yiri Cabdalle Axmed Mumin, Xoghayaha Guud ee Ururka Suxufiyiinta Soomaaliyeed (SJS), isagoo cambaareeyay hadallada hanjabaadaha ee ay jeediyeen madaxda Puntland iyo Galmudug, uguna baaqay Puntland, Galmudug, Hirshabelle iyo Somaliland inay ka digtoonaadaan cabburinta xorriyadda saxaafadda iyo faafreebka ka dhanka ah wartebinta madaxa-bannaan ee suxufiyiinta.

“Waxaanu xasuusineynaa Maamul Gobolleedyada inay xushmeeyaan xuquuqda suxufiyiinta iyo xorriyadda hadalka, kuwaas oo ah xuquuq dastuuri ah oo lama taabtaan ah,” Xoghayaha Guud ee SJS Cabdalle Mumin ayaa intaa ku daray.

SJS condemns recent multiple journalists’ arrests in Galmudug, Hirshabelle and Somaliland; raid on radio Hiiraanweyn and the threats from regional state leaders

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January 24, 2021

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Somali journalists run for shelter after armed police dispersed protestors in Mogadishu on 17 December, 2020. | PHOTO/ SJS/ Private.

MOGADISHU, Somalia, 24 January 2021 – Somali Journalists Syndicate (SJS) condemns the recent multiple arbitrary detentions against journalists working in Galmudug, Hirshabelle and Somaliland; the raid on Radio Hiiraanweyn and the verbal threats by Puntland and Galmudug regional state leaders amid increased crackdown on journalists and independent media houses.

On 16 January, Somaliland police in Borame detained four journalists: Husein Ateye Gaafane (Universal TV); Abdillahi Dahir Waeys (SAAB TV); Ahmed Diriye Iltire (SBC TV) and Shu’eyb Mohamed Kahin (Bulsho TV) after reporting unannounced trip by the Mayor of Borame City, Saleban Hassan Hadi amid an ongoing audit investigation on the Borame City Council, according to the journalists. They were not charged and were all freed without condition on Wednesday 20 January.

(From top left to the bottom right) journalists Husein Ateye Gaafane (Universal TV); Abdillahi Dahir Waeys (SAAB TV); Ahmed Diriye Iltire (SBC TV) and Shu'eyb Mohamed Kahin (Bulsho TV) were arrested in Borame on 16 January 2021. | PHOTO/Combined/SJS. — (From top left to the bottom right) journalists Husein Ateye Gaafane (Universal TV); Abdillahi Dahir Waeys (SAAB TV); Ahmed Diriye Iltire (SBC TV) and Shu’eyb Mohamed Kahin (Bulsho TV) were arrested in Borame on 16 January 2021. | PHOTO/Combined/SJS.

On the morning of Wednesday 20 January, five armed men from the security detail of the Vice President of Hirshabelle State, Yusuf Ahmed Hagar raided the premises of Radio Hiiraanweyn in Beledweyne, harassed the radio staff and later detained journalist Omar Muhidiin Omar over allegation that he created a Facebook Page used to criticise the Hirshabelle State Vice President, and allegation that the journalist refused. According to Omar himself, after 24 hours in police custody, the journalist was arraigned at Hiiraan Regional Court without a lawyer. He was later set free due to insufficient evidence to charge him on Thursday 21 January.

Radio Hiiraanweyn journalist, Omar Muhudin Omar detained in Beledweyne on 20 January, 2021. |PHOTO / SJS / Courtesy Omar Muhidin Omar.

On Wednesday 20 January, Galmudug police arrested two journalists: Mohamed Abdiwali Tohow (Universal TV and Radio Kulmiye) and Abdullahi Warsame Roble (SNTV) in Dhusamareb. According to the journalists and a Galmudug Information Ministry official who spoke to SJS, the arrest was ordered by Galmudug State Presidential officials due to the journalists’ recent reporting on al-Shabaab attacks in Galgadud region. Both were freed on Thursday 21 January without charges.

(From left): Mohamed Abdiwali Tohow (Universal TV and Radio Kulmiye) and Abdullahi Warsame Roble (SNTV) arrested in Dhusamareb on 20 January, 2021. | PHOTO /SJS /Courtesy/ Mohamed Abdiwali Tohow.

On 13 January 2021, Somali police officer blocked and beaten Radio Simba reporter, Mohamud Nur Mohamud while covering a bomb blast in Bakaro market, Mogadishu that day. According to the journalist, he dropped the assignment and returned back to the radio station.

Radio Simba reporter, Mohamud Nur Mohamud beaten and denied access while trying to cover a bomb blast in Bakaro market, Mogadishu on 13 January, 2021. | PHOTO/ SJS / Courtesy Radio Simba Facebook Page.

On 17 January 2021, while addressing newly trained police force in Qardho, the Puntland State President, Said Abdullahi Deni warned critics on social media with legal action saying that “Puntland police will arrest those insulting government officials on Facebook and those using Facebook to incite the public or call for uprising and murder”. The President further threatened that “police will impose criminal charges on them wherever they go or live”.

On 19 January, during a public address in Galkayo, Galmudug State President, Ahmed Abdi Kariye Qoorqoor threatened journalists and media houses with undefined consequences “for reporting and exaggerating al-Shabaab attacks: He said “those who exaggerate the menace caused by the terrorists are like the terrorists and we are at war with them”.

“SJS condemns the arrests of journalists in Dhusamareb, Borame and Beledweyne. We are deeply concerned by the increased cases of arbitrary arrests against journalists across the country ahead of the proposed general elections,” Abdalle Ahmed Mumin, the Scretary General of Somali Journalists Syndicate (SJS) said, “We also condemn the threatening calls from Puntland and Galmudug leaders as we call for them to retract their comments meant to suppress freedom of the press and to censor the journalists’ ability to report independently.”

“We would like to remind local authorities- at federal and regional levels- to respect rights of journalists and uphold freedom of the press as a core constitutional right,” Mr. Mumin says.

SJS and Barrister Michael Polak call on Somalia’s Puntland authorities to drop politically motivated charges and free journalist Kilwe

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January 20, 2021

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RTN TV editor, Yusuf Abdi Shire (centre) speaks during journalists protest in Mogadishu on Sunday 17 January, 2021 to demand imprisoned journalist Kilwe's freedom. | Photo/Mohamed Jibril/ SJS. — RTN TV editor, Yusuf Abdi Shire (centre) speaks during journalists protest in Mogadishu on Sunday 17 January, 2021 to demand imprisoned journalist Kilwe's freedom. | Photo/Mohamed Jibril /SJS.

MOGADISHU, Somalia /LONDON, U.K 19 January 2021 – Somali Journalists Syndicate (SJS) and international barrister Michael Polak who is working with them are deeply concerned about the continued detention of freelance journalist Kilwe Adan Farah in Garowe, Puntland since 27 December 2020 and the politically motivated charges of attempted murder brought before the Puntland military court on Monday 11 January 2021.

The charges were brought by Puntland’s military court actually more than two weeks after Kilwe was seized by the Puntland Intelligence Agency (PISA) on 27 December from the city centre of Garowe, the capital of Puntland region of Somalia.

Freelance journalist Kilwe, who reports for Kilwe Media Inc, a Facebook news page he co-founded, was detained a day after he covered an anti-inflation rate protest that took place in Garowe town on 26 December 2020. He was held at in undisclosed PISA detention without the access of family and lawyers for 16 days and then transferred to a another prison.

On Monday 11 January, without the knowledge of his family and without the presence of lawyers, Kilwe was transferred to Garowe central prison and was reportedly charged with attempted murder by the Puntland military court. Family members said they did not see the charge sheet but were only read to them by a military court official.

It is thought that Kilwe was seized because of his coverage of the protests as part of a crackdown on any free media being carried out by the Somalia Government authorities and its Federal Member States.

On Sunday, 17 January SJS member journalists, editors and camera-operators gathered in Mogadishu for a silent protest in solidarity with journalist Kilwe and to demand for his immediate and unconditional freedom.

SJS and Michael Polak are deeply worried about Kilwe’s physical and mental health conditions following reports of torture inside the PISA detention in Garowe. Abdalle Ahmed Mumin, the Secretary General of Somali Journalists Syndicate and Michael Polak, of Church Court Chambers and Justice Abroad state:

“We are extremely concerned by the contrived and politically motivated charges against the journalist Kilwe Adan Farah by Puntland State authorities. It is clear that these charges, and this prosecution brought after his unlawful detention and following reports of torture, is directly linked to his work as a journalist and his mission to inform the Somalian people of what is taking place,” .

“We call on Puntland authorities to immediately and unconditionally release Kilwe, allow him to reunite with his wife and two daughters, and allow him to continue his journalistic work without any further intimidation or harassment. The Puntland Authorities must also thoroughly investigate the reports of torture against Kilwe and bring those responsible before the courts.

We will be raising this matter with the Authorities, the United Nations, and Somalia’s international partners and will not stop working on this case until Kilwe is free

Early this year the SJS instructed Michael Polak to submit formal communications and complaints with the United Nation’s Independent Expert on the Situation of Human Rights in Somalia, the Human Rights Council, and the Special Rapporteur on the Promotion and Protection of the Right to Freedom of Opinion and Expression regarding the attacks against journalists in Somalia and the failure to protect the right to Freedom of Expression. Somalia remains one of the most dangerous places in the world to be a journalist as they are subject to attacks and repression from both state and non-state actors.

Kaddib labo toddobaad oo lagu hayey xabsi qarsoodi ah ayey Puntland ku eedeysay weriye Kilwe ‘isku day dil’

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January 15, 2021

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Weriye Kilwe Aadan Faarax waxaa la xiray 27 Disembar kaddib markuu tebiyay mudaaharaad ka dhacay Garowe. | Photo/Courtesy/SJS. — Weriye Kilwe Aadan Faarax waxaa la xiray 27 Disembar kaddib markuu tebiyay mudaaharaad ka dhacay Garowe. | PHOTO / Courtesy/SJS.

MUQDISHO, Soomaaliya 15 Jannaayo, 2021 – Ururka Suxufiyiinta Soomaaliyeed (SJS) wuxuu si weyn uga walaacsan yahay eedeynta siyaasadeysan ee ah ‘isku day dil’ ee Maxkamadda militariga Puntland ku soo oogay weriye madax-bannaan Kilwe Aadan Faarax oo lagu hayey xabsi qarsoodi ah oo ku yaalla magaalada Garowe, tan iyo 27kii Disembar 2020.

Ururka Suxufiyiinta Soomaaliyeed ee SJS wuxuu kaloo ka welwelsan yahay xaaladda jir ahaaneed iyo midda maskaxeed ee weriye Kilwe sababo la xiriira wararka sheegaya in jirdil loogu geystay xabsiga hay’adda Sirdoonka Puntland ee PISA laga soo bilaabo 27 Disembar ilaa 11 Janaayo.

Ciidmada Nabadsugidda Puntland ee PISA ayaa weriye Kilwe ku xiray magaalada Garowe 27kii Disembar, kaddib markii uu ku faafiyay warbaahin dhanka facebook-ga ah oo lagu magacaabo Kilwe Media Inc, mudaaharaad ay dadweynaha ka sameeyeen magaalada Garowe oo looga cabanayey sicir bararka. Weriye Kilwe ayaa ku xirnaa goob aan la garaneyn, loona diiday qareenadiisa iyo qoyskiisa inay booqdaan, sida ay qaar ka mid ah eheladiisa u sheegeen SJS.

Iyadoon cid ka warqabtaa jirin ayaa Isniintii 11 Janaayo 2021, ayaa weriye Kilwe loo wareejiyay xabsiga dhexe ee magaalada Garowe, iyadoo lagu soo oogay “isku day dil”. Qoyska Kilwe waxay sheegeen inaysan helin warqadda eedeynta, balse uu u akhriyay oo keliya sarkaal ka socda maxkamadda ciidamada militariga Puntland.

Sarkaal ka tirsan xafiiska Xeer Ilaalinta Puntland ayaa SJS u sheegay in “Qodobka 87aad ee Dastuurka Puntland uu mamnuucayo in dadka shacabka ah dacwadooda lagu qaado maxkamad militeri, sidoo kalena qodobka 27aad ee Dastuurka Puntland wuxuu mamnuucayaa in muwaadiniinta lagu xiro goob aan sharci ahayn” Sidaasi awgeedna xarigga Kilwe uu yahay mid aan waafaqsaneyn sharciga dalka iyo shuruucda kale ee xuquuqda aadanaha ee heer caalami.

Labo ka mid ah difaacayaasha xuquuqda aadanaha oo SJS la hadlay, magacyadooda loo qariyay amnigooda awgiis, ayaa sheegay inay aaminsan yihiin in Kilwe uu u xiran yahay tebintii mudaaharaadkii 26 Disembar ka dhacay Garowe kaasoo uu dhibsaday madaxweynaha Puntland, Siciid Cabdullahi Deni. Sidoo kale suxufiyiinta ayaa aaminsan in eedeynta isku day dil ee ka dhanka ah weriye Kilwe ay tahay tallaabo la doonayo in lagu cabsi geliyo, laguna aamusiyo saxaafadda xorta ah.

“Waxaan si xooggan uga walaacsanahay eedeynta been abuurka ah ee siyaasadeysan ee Puntland ay ku soo oogtay saaxiibkeen weriye Kilwe Aadan Faarax. Waxaa cad in eedeymahan oo yimid kaddib xariggiisa iyo kaddib markii ay soo bexeen wararka sheegaya in la jirdilay Kilwe,ay yihiin kuwo ka dhan ah shaqadiisa weriyanimo,” Xoghayaha Guud ee SJS, Cabdalle Axmed Mumin ayaa yiri.

“Waxaan ugu baaqeynaa maamulka inay si deg deg oo shuruud la’aan ah ku siidaayaan weriye Kilwe, una oggolaadaan inuu dib ula midoobo qoyskiisa, uuna sii wato shaqadiisa weriyanimo si welwel la’aan iyo cabsi gelin la’aan ah. Sidoo kale saraakiisha dowladda waa inay si daacadnimo leh oo dhameystiran u baaraan wararka jirdilka lagu sameeyay weriye Kilwe, lana keeno maxkamadda kuwii geystay falkaasi.” ayuu sii raaciyey Xoghaye Mumin.

After two weeks of incommunicado, Puntland authorities charge journalist Kilwe with attempted murder

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January 15, 2021

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Freelance journalist, Kilwe Adan Farah detained on 27 December, 2020 is charged with 'attempted murder" by Puntland's military court on 11 January, 2021. | Photo/SJS/Courtesy. — Freelance journalist, Kilwe Adan Farah detained on 27 December, 2020 is charged with 'attempted murder" by Puntland's military court on 11 January, 2021. | PHOTO / SJS/Courtesy.

MOGADISHU, Somalia 15 January 2021 – Somali Journalists Syndicate (SJS) is deeply concerned about the politically motivated charges of attempted murder by the Puntland military court against freelance journalist Kilwe Adan Farah after he was held incommunicado in Garowe since 27 December.

SJS is also worried about Kilwe’s physical and mental health conditions following reports of torture by the Puntland Intelligence Agency (PISA) for more than two weeks in the PISA detention in Garowe.

On the evening of 27 December, officers from PISA in Garowe, the capital of Puntland State, detained journalist Kilwe, who reports for Kilwe Media Inc, a Facebook news page he co-founded. The arrest came a day after anti-inflation protest hit Garowe town, which Kilwe has covered. He was held at undisclosed PISA detention without the access of family and lawyers, family members told SJS.

On Monday 11 January 2021, without the knowledge of his family and without the presence of lawyers, Kilwe was transferred to Garowe central prison and was reportedly charged with “attempted murder” by the Puntland military court. Family members said they did not see the charge sheet but were only read to them by a military court official.

An official at the Puntland Attorney General’s Office told SJS “Article 87 of Puntland Constitution prohibits charging civilians at a military court while Article 27 of Puntland Constitution bans arresting citizens in unlawful detention centres” and therefore Kilwe’s detention amounts to a serious violation of the local laws and contravenes international human rights standards.

Two local human rights defenders, who sought anonymity, told SJS that they believe that Kilwe was targeted due to his critical coverage on the 26 December protests which irritated Puntland’s president Said Abdullahi Deni. Local journalists also told SJS that allegations of attempted murder brought against journalist Kilwe were meant to intimidate and silence free press in Puntland.

“We are extremely concerned by the fake and politically motivated charges against our friend journalist Kilwe Adan Farah by Puntland State authorities. It is clear that these charges, which only came after his detention and following the reports of torturing him, is a subsequent prosecution linked to his work as a journalist,” Abdalle Ahmed Mumin, the Secretary General of Somali Journalists Syndicate (SJS) said.

“We call for Puntland authorities to immediately and unconditionally release Kilwe and allow him to reunite with his wife and two daughters and allow him to continue his journalism work without any further intimidation and harassment. Also Puntland authorities should honestly and thoroughly investigate the reports of the torture against Kilwe and bring those responsible at the courts,” adds Mr. Mumin.

Booliska degmada Baraawe oo demiyay Radio Baraawe, xabsigana dhigay weriye Cismaan Baxar

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January 5, 2021

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Radio Barawe journalist, Omar Aweys Bahar detained by South West State police in Barawe on Saturday 2 January, 2020.| PHOTO/SJS.

MUQDISHO, Soomaaliya, 5 Jannaayo, 2020 – Ururka Suxufiyiinta Soomaaliyeed (SJS) wuxuu cambaareynayaa weerarka ciidanka booliska Koonfur Galbeed ee degmada Baraawe ku demiyeen Radio Baraawe isla markaana xabsiga ugu taxaabeen weriye Cismaan Aweys Baxar oo ka tirsanaa idaacaddaasi subaxnimadii Sabtida 2 Jannaayo, 2021. Ururka SJS wuxuu dalbanayaa in weriyaha shuruud la’aan lagu siidaayo, loona oggolaado Radio Baraawe inuu shaqadiisa sii wato.

Sida ay SJS u sheegeen weriyayaasha gudaha, subaxnimadii Sabtida abbaare 10:00am (waqtiga gudaha), illaa 10 askari oo booliska hubeysan ah ayaa galay Radio Baraawe, oo ah idaacad ay leeyihiin dadka deegaanka ee magaalo xeebeedka Baraawe, kuna amray idaacadda la demiyo. Askartaasi hubeysan ayaa sidoo kale xiray weriye Cismaan Aweys Baxar oo ahaa agaasimihii idaacadda. Waxaa illaa hadda lagu hayaa saldhiga booliska degmada Baraawe.

Weriyayaasha Radio Baraawe waxay SJS u sheegeen in xarigga weriyahooda iyo deminta idaacadda ay timid kaddib war ay baahisay Idaacadda Baraawe 30 Disembar, 2020, oo ku saabsanaa cabasho ay soo jeediyeen odayaasha dhaqanka, dhallinyarada iyo haweenka oo ka cabanayey gacan-bidixeyn ay kala kulmeen hey’adaha dowladda iyo mashaariicda horumarinta.

Isniinta, Taliyaha Booliska Baraawe Cabduqaadir Aadan Maxamed wuxuu SJS u sheegay in xarigga weriye Cismaan Baxar ay soo amreen madax sare oo Koonfur Galbeed ka tirsan oo uusan magacaabin, isagoo intaa ku daray inuu kasii hadli karin kiiska weriyaha oo hadda baaritaan ay ku hayaan. Weriyayaasha gudaha iyo dad ka tirsan kuwa u dooda dadka deegaanka Baraawe waxay SJS u sheegeen in Afhayeenka Baarlamaanka Koonfur Galbeed, Dr. Cali Saciid Faqi, oo magaciisa lagu sheegay warbixinta Idaacadda Baraawe ay siideysay 30kii Disembar, in uu yahay kan amray xarigga weriye Cismaan Baxar iyo deminta Idaacadda Baraawe.

Markii SJS ay la xiriirtay Afhayeenka Baarlamaanka Koonfur Galbeed, Mr. Faqi ma soo jawaabin. Hase yeeshee Guddoomiyaha Degmada Baraawe, Cumar Sheekh Cabdi ayaa SJS u sheegay in “masuuliyiinta ay wadaan kiis dembi oo lagu soo oogayo weriye Cismaan Baxar sabab la xiriirta “inuu aflagaadeeyay masuuliyiin dowladeed”.

20kii Abriil 2020 ayay ahayd markii Idaacadda Baraawe hawada laga saaray iyadoo laga joojiyay baahinta barnaamijyadeeda ku baxa afka Barawaaniga. Hawl-wadeennada idaacadda waxay SJS u sheegeen in inkastoo loo ogollaaday maalmo kaddib inay barnaamijyadooda sii wataan haddana in lagu hayey cadaadis.

“Waxaan cambaareyneynaa weerarka lagu qaaday Idaacadda Baraawe iyo xarigga weriye Cismaan Aweys Baxar oo loo beegsaday kaliya inuu soo gudbiyay cabashada dadka deegaanka Baraawe. SJS waxay ugu baaqeysaa maamulka Koonfur Galbeed inay xorriyaddiisa siiyaan weriye Cismaan Baxar, ayna u oggolaadaan Radio Baraawe inuu hawshiisa sii wato si handadaad la’aan ah,” ayuu yiri Xoghayaha Guud ee SJS, Cabdalle Axmed Mumin.

Dhinaca kale, SJS waxay ka walaacsan tahay xarigga sharci darrada ee dheeraaday ee maamulka Puntland ku hayaan weriye Kilwe Aadan oo lagu hayo meel aan la garaneyn tan iyo habeennimadii 27 Disembar 2020 markaasoo la xiray, maalin uun kabacdi markuu soo tebiyey mudaaharaad ay dadku kaga cabanayeen sicir bararka oo ka dhacay magaalada Garowe ee caasimadda Puntland.

Waxaan dalbaneynaa in si deg deg ah lagu siidaayo weriye Kilwe.

South West State police raid Radio Barawe and detain its journalist

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January 5, 2021

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MOGADISHU, Somalia, 05 January, 2021 – Somali Journalists Syndicate (SJS) condemns the raid on Radio Barawe and the arrest of its journalist Osman Aweys Bahar by South West State police in Barawe, Lower Shabelle region on Saturday 2 January, 2021. SJS calls for authorities to immediately release the journalist and allow Radio Barawe back on air.

According to local journalists, on Saturday about 10:00am (local time), about 10 armed police officers raided the premises of Radio Barawe, a local community radio in the coastal town of Barawe and ordered the radio off-air. The armed officers also detained journalist Osman Aweys Bahar. He is currently held at the Barawe police station.

Radio Barawe journalists told SJS the arrest of journalist Bahar and the radio closure followed after a news report broadcasted by Radio Barawe 30 December 2020, which featured complaints of local elders, youth and women about the marginalisation of Barawe residents in both government services and development projects.

On Monday, Barawe police commissioner Abdukadir Adan Mohamed told SJS that he was ordered to arrest the journalist by top South West officials in Baidoa without naming them, and that he was not able “to comment further on Mr. Bahar’s case pending investigations”. Local journalists and Barawe community advocates told SJS that South West Speaker of Parliament, Ali Said Faqi, who was mentioned in the Radio Barawe’s 30 December report, was the one who ordered the closure of the radio and detention of its journalist.

When SJS contacted the South West Speaker of Parliament, Mr Faqi did not respond. However, Barawe District Commissioner, Omar Sheikh Abdi told SJS that authorities were preparing a criminal case against journalist Bahar for “insulting government officials”.

On 20 April last year, authorities in Barawe banned Radio Barawe’s unique local Baravanese (Chimwiini or Chimbalazi) dialect programming under what seemed to be a politically motivated order from the South West State officials. Despite Radio Barawe resumed its broadcasting days later, journalists and editors reported that authorities continued to monitor them in an attempt to pressure the radio staff.

“We condemn the raid on Radio Barawe and the arbitrary arrest of journalist Osman Aweys Bahar who was targeted for only reporting the complaints of the people of Barawe. SJS calls for South West State authorities to free journalist Bahar and allow Radio Barawe, a radio owned by the local community, to operate without harassment,” Abdalle Ahmed Mumin, the Secretary General of Somali Journalists Syndicate (SJS) said.

SJS is extremely concerned by the continued and unexplained detention of free-lance journalist, Kilwe Adan who was detained on 27 December 2020 and held in undisclosed location in Garowe, the capital of Puntland a day after he covered the 26 December anti-inflation rates protest in Garowe.

We call for Puntland authorities to immediately free journalist Kilwe and allow him to carry out his journalistic duties without reprisals.

حالة حرية الصحافة في الصومال عام 2020: تزايد التهديدات والعنف ضد الصحفيين مع إفلات تام من العقاب

State of Press Freedom in Somalia in 2020: Threats and Violence Against Journalists on the Rise With Total Impunity

SJS, Barrister Michael Polak of Church Court Chambers and Justice Abroad call for Puntland authorities to drop charges and free journalist Kilwe

SJS waxay cambaareyneysaa xarigga wariyayaasha ee Galmudug, Hirshabeelle iyo Somaliland; gelitaanka Radio Hiiraanweyn iyo hanjabaadyo ka timid madaxda dowlad goboleedyada

SJS condemns recent multiple journalists’ arrests in Galmudug, Hirshabelle and Somaliland; raid on radio Hiiraanweyn and the threats from regional state leaders

SJS and Barrister Michael Polak call on Somalia’s Puntland authorities to drop politically motivated charges and free journalist Kilwe

Kaddib labo toddobaad oo lagu hayey xabsi qarsoodi ah ayey Puntland ku eedeysay weriye Kilwe ‘isku day dil’

After two weeks of incommunicado, Puntland authorities charge journalist Kilwe with attempted murder

Booliska degmada Baraawe oo demiyay Radio Baraawe, xabsigana dhigay weriye Cismaan Baxar

South West State police raid Radio Barawe and detain its journalist

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