Three journalists in Garowe: Shareco Yasin Shareco (left); Adan Sheekeeye (centre) and Abdiqani Ahmed Mohamed (right). | Photo/SJS.
MOGADISHU, Somalia, 20 March, 2020- Somali Journalists Syndicate (SJS) strongly condemns the threats, harassment, arbitrary arrest and beatings targeted to three journalists in Puntland State of Somalia over the course of the past three weeks.
On 10 March 2020, three soldiers from Puntland Presidential Guards have denied access and beaten RTN TV journalist Abdiqani Ahmed Mohamed as he was covering the inaugural event of a new hotel in the administrative capital of Puntland, Garowe with the attendance of Puntland President, Said Abdullahi Deni. According to the journalist and two colleagues interviewed by SJS, the officers informed the journalist that they knew him because “he was critical to the state”. The journalist told SJS that he lost a phone and was not able to continue covering the event that day.
On 14 March 2020, plain-clothed officers attached to Puntland Presidency have stopped, beaten and threatened to shoot journalist Shareco Yasin Shareco, who reports for the privately owned Horn Cable TV and a community-based Puntland State University Radio (PSU Radio) as he was photographing the PSU Conference hall where Puntland’s Consultative Conference was held on 15-17 March, 2020. The officers confiscated and broke the journalist’s camera forcing him to leave the scene. According to journalist Shareco, when he complained to the police station, he was told to wait until the conference ends and his complaints have not been resolved ever since.
On the evening of 15 March 2020, police officers summoned and arrested TV journalist Adan Abdullahi Sheekeeye who works for the central Somalia-based Cabudwaaq TV (CW) following a Facebook post that reported the detention of an elder who criticized the state. Journalist Sheekeeye was released on a bail on the morning of 16 March. On 16 March, bodyguards of Puntland’s Interior Minister, Mohamed Abdirahman Dhaban-Cad confiscated journalist Sheekeeye’s press credentials and camera. According to the journalist and a senior editor of CW, the Minister’s bodyguards initially stopped the journalist’s car at gunpoint and ordered him to handover his journalist’s equipment as they later drove off. However the journalist told SJS that his equipment was returned on the evening of Thursday 19 March.
“We condemn the latest of wave of violence against journalists in Puntland, especially threats, harassment, arbitrary arrest and beating against the three journalists in an attempt to suppress the independent coverage of events with public interest,” Abdalle Ahmed Mumin, the Secretary General of the Somali Journalists Syndicate (SJS) said, “We call for the authorities in Puntland to stop the continued attacks against the messengers whose task is to inform the public.”
“Authorities in Puntland should allow journalists to carry out their work freely without fear and provide safe space where they can exercise their journalistic profession.” Mr. Mumin added.
– Correction was made to the second paragraph to reflect the date and the event that the journalist was covering as on 10 March at the inauguration of a new hotel in Garowe instead of 8 March at the International Women’s Day.
SJS brings together over 50 journalists, editors for a consultative meeting on Democracy, Journalism and Election reporting in times of Disinformation, Mogadishu, on Friday 13 March, 2020. | Photo credit: SJS
نظمت نقابة الصحفيين الصوماليين في مقديشو اجتماعا تشاوريا في 14 مارس الجاري حول الديمقراطية والصحافة وتغطية الإنتخابات في ظل وجود زخم الشائعات لرفع مستوى وعي الصحفيين وتجاوز التحديات في الصحافة الصومالية .
وشارك في الندوة التشاورية أكثر من 50 صحفي ومحرر ومسؤولين إعلاميين حيث دعا المجتمعون إلى رئيس الجمهورية محمد عبد الله فرماجو على عدم توقيع قانون الصحافة الذي صادق عليه مجلسي البرلمان الصومالي” مجلس الشعب ومجلس الشيوخ ” مؤخرا ويقيد هذا القانون الحريات الأساسية للصحافة .
وقال الأمين العام للنقابة عبد الله أحمد مومن كلمته في افتتاح المنتدى التشاوري إن الصحافة الحرة التي لا تخاف أساس بناء أي مجتمع ديمقراطي داعيا إلى وقف الممارسات التي تعرقل وسائل الإعلام في حق إيجاد المعلومة مشيرا إلى أهمية احترام حرية الصحافة للحكومة الصومالية وإطلاق سراح محرر راديو “هيغسي” محمد عبد الوهاب نور “أبوجا” الذي يقبع معتقل جلعو التابع لجهاز الأمن والإستخبارات الصومالي في ثامن يوم دون إدانة ومحاكمة .
وأكد الأمين العام للنقابة الدور الفعال لاستقلال وسائل الإعلام في تطوير المجتمع موجها الحكومة الصومالية والولايات الأعضاء والسياسيين إحترام حرية واستقلالية الصحافة والسماح لها بإيجاد المعلومات الضرورية للصحافة ليقرر المجتمع رأيه في الأحداث الجارية .
وقال الأمين العام عبد الله أحمد مومن ” ندعوا الرئيس محمد عبد الله فرماجو على عدم التوقيع على قانون الصحافة الذي في مكتبه وإن وقع سيشكل حقا عقبة أخرى جديدة أمام مهنة الصحافة في الصومال ”
وأشارت أمينة شؤون المرأة والحقوق لنقابة الصحفيين الصوماليين نفسة حرسي أوغلي إلى أهمية تركيز الصحفيات الصوماليات على تغطية مشاركة المرأة في الإنتخابات وفي الوقت ذاته تحقيق حصة المرأة في مقاعد البرلمان الصومالي 30% وحصول المرأة على حقوق مساو مع الرجل أثناء تغطية الإنتخابات .
وقالت نفسة حرسي بصدد ذالك ” نقابة الصحفيين الصوماليين تشجع الصحفيات على محاماة المرأة الصومالية في إيجاد فرص متكافئة مع الرجل أثناء فترة الإنتخابات علما أن صحفيات كثر لا يستطيعون تغطية الإنتخابات بشكل حر ويجب على جميع الأطراف السياسية الحفاظ على حرية الصحافة واستقلالها ”
وألقى عبد العزيز بلو الضوء الذي يعمل لصالح شبكة تلفزيون الصين الدولية تأثير صعوبة حصول المعلومة على الأخبار وسل ئل الإعلام المستقلة
“يصحب هذه الأيام حصول المعلومات لا أحد يريد أن يزودك بيانات ويحتاج المجتمع هذه المعلومات أعتقد بأنه سيصعب تغطية الإنتخابات المقبلة في الصومال وأساليب الحذر من الأخبار الزائفة في حين التوقيع على قانون الصحافة الحالي ”
وأثمن حسين محمد عبدلي محرر إذاعة كلميه ومخرج برامج في تلفزيون يونيفرسل نقابة الصحفيين الصوماليين وشكر على عقد المنتدى التشاوري وقت الحاجة في تغيير وضع الصحافة في الصومال والتحقق من حصول الشعب الصومالي على معلومات ى صحيحة مؤكدا الوصول إلى ذالك يتطلب استقلال جميع الصحفيين .
وحث الصحفي المستقل عبد العزيز برو الصحفيين والمحررين التوثيق من مصادر الأخبار مشيرا إلى أهمية التركيز على الأخبار الحقيقية مطالبا عدم عقوبة الصحفي بسبب تغطيته لخبر ما .
وأشار عبد الرحمن محمد حسن رئيس هيئة “نصدو” الراعية للمنتدى التشاوري إلى دعم هيئته عقد المنتدى انطلاقا من إيمانها على الدور الحيوي لمهنة الصحافة في المجتمع آملا أن تتمتع الصحافة الصومالية في المدى القريب استقلالية تامة .
وفي ختام المنتدى التشاوري قدمت نقابة الصحفيين الصوماليين جوائز لصحفيين ومحررين بمساهماتهم الفعالة في دفاع حرية الصحافة .
وهم عبد الله أحمد نور محرر أخبار في يونيفرسل ، عبد العزيز بلو على موفد شبكة تلفزيون الصين الدولية ، غوليد عبد صلاد قاري صحفي ومصور في تلفزيون يونيفرسل ، أحمد محمود دعسو محرر صحيفة حمر ، حسين عبدلي محمد صحفي إذاعة كلميه وتلفزيون يونيفرسل، فرحيه محمد يوسف صحفية في صوم نيوز ، عبد الغني عبد الله إبراهيم محرر الأخبار الكترونية إذاعة كلميه ، شافعى محمد عبد موفد تلفزيون العربي و حسن محمد علي مدير الأخبار في تلفزيون صوم نيوز .
SJS brings together over 50 journalists and editors for a consultative meeting on Democracy, Journalism and Election reporting in times of Disinformation in Mogadishu, Friday, 13 March, 2020. | Photo credit/SJS.
MOGADISHU, Somalia, 13 March, 2020- Somali Journalists Syndicate (SJS) organized journalists’ consultative meeting on Democracy, Journalism and Election in times of Disinformation in Mogadishu on Friday 13th March, 2020 to highlight the state of press freedom, access to information and to raise awareness challenges on Somalia’s current press freedom.
More than 50 senior journalists, editors and representatives from key media houses have attended the one-day consultative meeting which also made a call for Somali president to withhold the controversial media law currently awaiting president’s assent.
At his opening remarks, Abdalle Ahmed Mumin, the Secretary General of Somali Journalists Syndicate (SJS) stressed that free and fearless media is the central pillar of any democratic society and called for unhindered access of information be provided to the independent media and the need for the government to respect the press freedom and free editor of Radio Hiigsi, Mohamed Abdiwahab Nuur (better known as Abuuja) who is held in communicado in NISA prison for the 8th day.
Abdalle Ahmed Mumin, the Secretary General of Somali Journalists Syndicate (SJS) speaks during the opening of the journalists’ consultative meeting in Mogadishu, Friday 13 March, 2020. | Photo credit/SJS.
“We all know that Somalia is going to hold both presidential and parliamentary elections and we should also note free and fair media should be the only way in ensuring democratic elections”,” Abdalle Ahmed Mumin, the Secretary General of Somali Journalists Syndicate (SJS) said “It is unfortunate that journalists in Somalia are continuously threatened, harassed and targeted due to their reporting, one of them still held in communicado in NISA prison for the 8th day.”
Mr. Mumin further emphasized the critical role the media plays in promoting pluralism and called for authorities and all actors in the country to respect the work of the independent media by providing full access to information including framing electoral issues, informing the electorate about the main developments, and communicating the platforms, policies and promises of parties and candidates.
“I call for President Farmaajo to act now and stop signing the draconian media law currently waiting his signature as this law is affront to the freedom of the press and is a restriction against the legitimate work of the journalists and should not signed into law,” Mr. Mumin adds.
Nafisa Hersi Ogle (left), Secretary of Gender Rights of Somali Journalists Syndicate (SJS) hands certificate of award to journalist Abdiqani Abdullahi Ibrahim.
Nafisa Hersi Ogle, the Secretary of Gender Rights of Somali Journalists Syndicate (SJS) highlighted that women journalists need to boldly focus on issues related to women participation in the electoral process including to making sure that female candidates have the equal right to the male counterparts and also advocating for the 30% quota declared for the Somali women in the previous Somali electoral cycles, but with limited results.
“SJS wishes to encourage women in the news to advocate for equal rights for women compared to their male counterparts in the politics. Similarly we have to admit that many female reporters are not able to report freely and this is a worrying trend but we have to come out. Press freedom should be respected by all sides,” Nafisa told the participants of the conference in Mogadishu.
Abdul Aziz Billow Ali, a Mogadishu-based correspondent of CGTN TV has touched how lack of access to information affected the daily news coverage of the independent media.
“Nowadays it very hard to find information. It is like nobody is willing to talk to the media and provide information that is of the interest of the public. I think reporting election will be even harder and countering fake news will be a challenge due to lack this sort of media blackout we are facing,” Mr. Billow said.
Journalist Abdulaziz Billow Ali speaks at the journalists’ consultative meeting on Friday 13 March, 2020. | Photo credit/SJS.
Hussein Abdulle Mohamed, a senior news editor and producer of Radio Kulmiye and Universal TV has thanked SJS for organizing this conference as he has pointed out the need for an immediate change of the situation.
“We are independent journalists and it is our work to ensure that all segments of the society are provided with accurate information so that the Somali people will have informed decision-making during the election period. To ensure this, we need also to be independent at all cost,” Mr. Abdulle said.
Abdul Aziz Barrow, a senior broadcast journalist has encouraged journalists and editors in the newsrooms to invest in fact checking mechanisms to avoid misinformation. He added “Many journalists in Somalia are self-censoring. We need to overcome this reality. No journalist should be threatened because of his/her reporting.”
Abdirahman Mohamed Hassan (centre), Director of Nolol Awareness and Social Development Organization (NASDO) addresses participants of the journalists’ consultative conference in Mogadishu on Friday 13 March, 2020.
Abdirahman Hassan Mohamed, the Director of Nolol Awareness and Social Development Organization (NASDO), whose organization also supported this conference, has described the work of the independent media very vital and he underscored that disinformation and propaganda may mislead the population and interfere with the public’s right to know, particularly during the elections.
“We therefore like to support organizations like SJS and other media houses to do their work in a full capacity of autonomous,” Mr. Mohamed emphasized.
At the end of the consultative conference, Somali Journalists Syndicate (SJS) honoured nine senior journalists and editors for their role as active press freedom defenders in Somalia.
Journalist Hussein Abdulle Mohamed (1st left) receives certificate of award from SJS secretary general during the journalists’ consultative conference in Mogadishu on Friday, 13 March, 2020.
Among the awardees are:
Abdullahi Ahmed Nor, senior news editor of Universal Somali TV;
Abdulaziz Billow Ali, Mogadishu-based correspondent of CGTN TV;
Guled Abdi Salad Qarey, cameraman and journalist from Universal Somali TV;
Ahmed Mohamud Disow, editor of Hamar Newspaper;
Hussein Abdulle Mohamed, news editor and producer at Radio Kulmiye and Universal Somali TV;
Farhiya Mohamud Yusuf; a female news anchor and reporter at Som News TV;
Abdiqani Abdullahi Ibrahim; digital news editor at Radio Kulmiye;
Shafii Mohamed Abdi, Mogadishu-based correspondent of Al-Arabi TV.
Hassan Mohamed Ali, News Director and Producer at SOM News TV.
SJS also honoured a Special Recognition Award to Abdirahman Hassan Mohamed, the director of NASDO Organization for his service as a social activist and promoter of press freedom.
SJS brings together over 50 journalists, editors for a consultative meeting on Democracy, Journalism and Election reporting in times of Disinformation, Mogadishu, on Friday 13 March, 2020. | Photo credit: SJS
MUQDISHO, Soomaaliya, 14 Maarso, 2020- Ururka Suxufiyiinta Soomaaliyeed (SJS) ayaa kulan wadatashi ah oo ku saabsan Dimuqraadiyadda, saxaafadda iyo tebinta doorashooyinka xilliyada ay jiraan wararka marin habaabinta ah si kor loogu qaado wacyiga suxufiyiinta iyo caqabadaha ku hor gudban saxaafadda Soomaaliya.
In ka badan 50 suxufiyiin, tifaftirayaal iyo masuuliyiin warbaahineed ayaa ka soo qeyb-galay kulanka wadashiga ah, kaasoo baaq loogu diray madaxweynaha Jamhuuriyadda Federaalka Soomaaliya Md. Maxamed Cabdullaahi Farmaajo in uusan saxiixin sharciga saxaafadda ee dhowaan labada aqal ansixiyeen. Sharcigaas ayaa ah mid caburinaya xorriyaadka aas-aasiga ah ee saxaafadda.
Xoghayaha Guud ee Ururka Suxufiyiinta Soomaaliyeed (SJS), Cabdalle Axmed Mumin ayaa khudbadiisii furitaanka ee kulanka wada-tashi sheegay in saxaafad xor ah oo aan baqaneynin ay aas-aas u tahay dhismaha bulsho walba oo dimuquraadi ah, kuna baaqay in warbaahinta dabarka iyo ka horjoogsiga xaqa helista xogta laga joojiyo iyo muhiimadda ay u leedahay dowladda inay ixtiraamto xorriyadda Saxaafadda, siina deysaa oo xorriyaddiisa dib ugu celisaa tifaftiraha Radio Hiigsi Maxamed Cabdiwahaab Nuur oo loo yaqaano Abuuja oo maalintii 8-aad ku xiran xabsiga Godka Jilacow ee NISA bilaa maxkamad.
Abdalle Ahmed Mumin, Secretary General of SJS speaks during the journalists’ consultative meeting in Mogadishu, Friday 13 March, 2020. | Photo credit: SJS.
“Waxaanu ognahay in Soomaaliya in diyaar garoobeyso qabashada doorashada madaxweynaha iyo tan baarlamaanka, waxaanu sidoo kale ognahay in saxaafad xor ah ay tahay oo keliya habka keliya ee lagu xaqiijin karo doorasho xor iyo xalaal ah,” Xoghayaha Guud ee Ururka Suxufiyiinta Soomaaliyeed (SJS) Cabdalle Axmed Mumin ayaa yiri, isagoo intaas ku daray in ay nasiib darro tahay in suxufiyiinta Soomaaliya ay si joogto ah la kulmaan hanjabaado oo mid ah lagu hayo xabsiga NISA maalintii 8-aad isagoo maxkamad ah la horkeenin.
Xoghayaha Guud ee SJS ayaa carrabka ku adkeeyay doorka muhiimka ee warbaahin madaxbanaan u leedahay horumarinta bulshada, uguna baaqay dowladda iyo dowlad goboleedyada dalka iyo dhamaan jilayaasha kale ee siyaasadda inay xushmeeyaan madaxbanaanida saxaafadda iyagoo u ogolaanaya helista xogta saxaafaddu u baahan tahay si ay bulshada ugu go’aan qaadato.
“Waxaan ugu baaqayaa madaxweyne Farmaajo inuusan saxiixin sharciga saxaafadda oo ah ee hadda horyaala oo runtii noqon kara hadii la saxiixo caqabad hor leh oo ku hor gudboonaan doonaan shaqada saxaafadda.
Xoghayaha Arrimaha Haweenka iyo Xuquuqda ee Ururka Suxufiyiinta Soomaaliyeed (SJS) Nafisa Xersi Oogle ayaa sheegtay muhiimadda ay leedahay in haweenka suxufiyiinta ay diirada saaraan tebinta howlaha la xiriira ka qeybqaadashada dumarka ee doorashada, isla markaana ay xaqiijiyaan qoondada dumarka ee 30% iyo in haweenku helaan xuquuq la mid ah midda ragga marka ay timaado tebinta doorashooyinka.
“SJS waxay dhiirigelineysaa haweenka suxufiyiinta sidii ay ugu qareemi lahaayeen sidii haweenku u heli lahaayeen xuquuq la siman midda ragga xiliyada doorashada, anagoo ah in haween badan oo suxufiyiin ah aanay awoodin inay si xor ah u tebiyaan, Waa in xorriyada Saxaafadda ay qeybaha siyaasadda oo dhami ay dhowraan.”
Cabdulcasiis Billow Cali oo ah weriye u shaqeeya telefishinka CGTN ayaa iftiimiyay sida dhibaatada helista xogta ay u saameyneyso wararka warbaahinta madaxa banaan.
“Maalmahaan waxaa adag in la heo xog, waayo qofna dooni maayo in uu xog ku siiyo, xogtaas oo ay bulshadu u baahan tahay, waxaana qabaa inay adkaan doonto tebinta doorashooyinka dalka iyo sidii looga feejignaan lahaa wararka been abuurka ah haddii sharciga saxaafadda ee hadda jira la meel mariyo.” Weriye Billow ayaa yiri.
Weriye Xuseen Xuseen Maxamed Cabdulle oo Tifafttire ka ah Idaacadda Kulmiye sidoo kalena barnaamij soosaare ka ah Telefshinka Universal ayaa uga mahadceliyay SJS qabashada shirkan iyadoo baahi loo qabo sidii in xaaladda saxaafadda dalka wax looga bedeli lahaa iyo sidii loo xaqiijin lahaa in shacabku helo xog sugan, si tani loo helana sheegeyna in suxufiyiintu ay gebi ahaanba madaxbanaanaadaan.
Weriye Cabdulcasis Barrow oo ah weriye madaxbanaan oo ka hadlay munaasabada SJS ayaa ku dhiirigeliyay suxufiyiinta iyo tifaftirayaasha inay sameeyaan hubin lagu sameynayo sugnaanshaha isha warka, isagoo sheegay muhiimadda ah in xoogga la saaro wararka ku saabsan xaqiiqda, sidaasi si la mid ahna waa in saxafi aan loo ciqaabin warar uu tebiyay.
Nafisa Ogle (left) awards journalist Abdiqani Abdullahi of Radio Kulmiye (centre) on Friday, 13 March, 2020. | Photo credit: SJS.
Cabdiraxmaan Maxamed Xasan oo ah Agaasimaha hay’adda NASDO oo shirkan qabsoomidiisa taageertay ayaa ku tilmaamay shaqada ay warbaahintu u heyso bulshada mid aad muhiim u ah, isagoo sheegay in hay’addiisu taageertay qabsoomidda shirkan, isagoo u rajeeyay saxaafadda Soomaaliya madaxbanaani dhameystiran.
Gebagebadhii kulankii wada-tashiga, ayaa ururka Suxufiyiinta Soomaaliyeed ee SJS waxa uu shahaaddo sharaf guddoonsiiyay suxufiyiin iyo tifaftirayaal doorkii ay ku lahaayeen difaacidda xorriyadda Saxaafadda waxa ayna kala yihiin:
Cabdullaahi Axmed Nuur, Tfifaftiraha wararka Universal TV;
Radio Hiigsi editor, Mohamed Abdiwahab Nuur was illegally arrested on Saturday 29 Feb, 2020 in Mogadishu. | Photo/Courtesy/Private.
MUQDISHO, Soomaaliya, 02 Maarso, 2020- Ururka Suxufiyiinta Soomaaliyeed (SJS) wuxuu soo dhoweynayaa sii deynta tifaftiraha Radio Hiigsi, Maxamed Cabdiwahaab Nuur (Abuuja) oo sifo sharci darro ah ugu xirnaa Hay’adda Nabad-sugidda iyo Sirdoonka Qaranka (NISA) tan iyo maalinnimadii Sabtida 29 Febraayo, 2020 sababo la xiriira qormo uu ka sii daayay Idaacada Hiigsi oo ku saabsaneyd ciidamada ammaanka.
Wariye Maxamed Abuuja ayaa la siidaayay abbaare 12:00p.m ee Isniinta 02 Maarso, kaddib dadaal ay sameeyeen qoyskiisa, idaacadii uu u shaqeynayay oo ol’ole u qareemid ah ka heley Ururka Suxufiyiinta Soomaaliyeed (SJS).
“Alle ayaa Mahad iska leh. Maanta xorriyadeyda ayaan dib u helay abaaro 12:00p.m duhurnimo. Markii hore waxaa la igu xiray xabsiga Habar Khadiijo, kadibna waxaa la ii soo gudbiyay xabsiga Godka Jilacow. Wax eed ah oo la igu oogay ma jirin,” wariye Maxamed Cabdiwahaab Nuur ayaa sidaa SJS u sheegay waxyar kadib markii la sii daayay.
“Waxaan u mahadcelinaa Ururka SJS iyo dhammaan suxufiyiintii garab istaagga ii muujiyay intii aan xirnaa,” ayuu sii raaciyay hadalkiisa.
Maxamed waxa uu SJS u sheegay in loo xiray qormadii 26 Febraayo ka baxday Idaacadda Hiigsi oo dhaliilo wax saxaya u jeedinaysay ciidamada ammaanka.
Qoyska Maxamed waxa ay SJS u xaqiijiyeen wax dembi aan lagu soo oogin, isla markaana aanu helin garyaqaan u dooda intuu xirnaa.
Saxafiga aabihis, oo loo diiday in uu wiilkiisa ku booqdo xabsiga, ayaa SJS markii ugu horeysay u xaqiijiyay siideynta wariye Maxamed Abuuja.
SJS waxay ka welwelsan tahay heerka cagajugleynta, hanjabaadaha dilka ah iyo gacan ka hadalka uu ku jiro isticmaalka qori cabbeysan si loo aamusiyo.
“Ururka Suxufiyiinta Soomaaliyeed (SJS) wuxuu soo dhoweynayaa sii deynta saaxiibkeen Maxamed Cabdiwahaab Nuur (Abuuja) oo ahaa tifafitraha idaacadda madaxa-bannaan ee Radio Hiigsi oo sifo sharci darro ah u xirnaa,” Xoghayaha Guud ee Ururka Suxufiyiinta Soomaaliyeed (SJS) Cabdalle Axmed Mumin ayaa yiri isagoo intaa ku daray in ay aad uga welwelsan yihiin heerka hanjabaadda, cagajugleynta iyo gacan qaadka suxufiga loo geystay.
Hanjabaad walba oo loo geystaa suxufi waa dembi, Ururka Suxufiyiinta Soomaaliyeed (SJS) wuxuu ka dalbanayaa Dowladda Federaalka Soomaaliya in ay baaritaan ku sameyso saraakiishii ka dambeysay arrintan, lana horkeeno maxkamad caddaalad ah.
Radio Hiigsi editor, Mohamed Abdiwahab Nuur was illegally arrested on Saturday 29 Feb, 2020 in Mogadishu. | Photo/Courtesy/Private.
MOGADISHU, Somalia, 02 March, 2020- Somali Journalists Syndicate (SJS) welcomes the release of Radio Hiigsi’s editor, Mohamed Abdiwahab Nuur (better known as Abuuja) who was illegally arrested by officers from the National Intelligence and Security Agency (NISA) on Saturday 29 February, 2020 over an editorial article deemed critical to the security services.
Journalist Mohamed was released approximately
12.p.m local time on Monday 02 March after efforts by his family and was backed
by advocacy campaign by Somali Journalists Syndicate (SJS).
“I thank God that I got my freedom today at 12.p.m. I was first detained at Habar Khadijo [main NISA headquarters] and later transferred to Godka Jila’ow while blindfolded. I was not charged but was released today on condition that I will not write about security services,” Mohamed Abdiwahab Nuur told SJS shortly after his release “I thank SJS and all journalists who showed solidarity for me.”
Mohamed told SJS that his arrest came following his 26 February article which critiqued the security services.
There were no charges brought against the journalist. Family members told SJS that Mohamed was not able to get legal assistance during his detention as well.
The journalist’s father, who was able to visit the prison, was the first to confirm to SJS on the news of Mohamed’s freedom.
SJS is extremely concerned about the level of intimidation, death threats and physical assault including drawing of loaded guns in an attempt to silence the journalist.
“Somali Journalists Syndicate (SJS) welcomes the release of our colleague Mohamed Abdiwahab Nuur, editor of the independent Radio Hiigsi from the unlawful detention on Monday. He was arrested for simply conducting his journalistic duty by publishing an opinion article,” Abdalle Ahmed Mumin, the Secretary General of Somali Journalists Syndicate (SJS) said “However, we are extremely alarmed by the level of threats, intimidation and the physical assault against him.”
Any threat against a journalist is a crime and SJS
calls for urgent investigation into the officers who committed this crime by
bringing them to book.
Radio Hiigsi editor, Mohamed Abdiwahab Nuur was illegally arrested on Saturday 29 Feb, 2020 in Mogadishu. | Photo/Courtesy/Private.
MUQDISHO, Soomaaliya, 01 Maarso, 2020 – Ururka Suxufiyiinta Soomaaliyeed (SJS) wuxuu cambaareynayaa xarigga tifaftiraha idaacadda madaxa-bannaan ee Radio Hiigsi, Maxamed Cabdiwahaab Nuur (oo ku magac dheer Abuuja) kaasoo Ciidanka Nabadsugidda iyo Sirdoonka Qaranka (NISA) ay ku xireen Muqdisho abbaare 11.30 a.m Sabtidii 29 Febraayo, 2020.
Saraakiil ka tirsan NISA ayaa xiray wariye Maxamed Cabdiwahaab Nuur xilli uu ku sii jeeday xarunta idaacaddiisa, sida uu SJS u sheegay agaasimaha Radio Hiigsi, Xuseen Axmed Tifow. Wariyaasha la shaqeeya Maxamed waxay SJS u sheegeen in xariggiisa uu la xiriiro qormo tifaftireed su’aal gelisay hab dhaqanka anshaxa ciidanka ammaanka oo sidoo kale ka hadashay isticmaalka awoodaha xad-dhaafka ah ee ciidamada taasoo laga baahiyay Radio hiigsi isla markaana lagu daabacay bogagga baraha bulshada ee idaacadda 26 February 2020.
“Waxyar kahor intaan la xirin, wuxuu Maxamed ii sheegay inuu ku soo wajahan yahay xarunta idaacadda. Abbaare 2.p.m aabihiis ayaa ii soo sheegay inay Maxamed xireen askar ka tirsan NISA,” agaasime Xuseen Axmed Tifow ayaa sidaas u sheegay SJS.
Cabdiwahaab Nuur Mahdi oo ah aabaha wariyaha ayaa SJS u sheegay in kaddib dhowr isku day oo uu ku raadinayey wiilkiisa markii dambe uu ogaaday in Maxamed lagu xiray xabsiga caanka ah ee ay NISA maamusho ee Godka Jilacow ee Muqdisho. Aabuhu wuxu kaloo SJS u xaqiijiyay in subaxnimadii Axaddii markuu tagay Godka Jilacow loo diiday inuu arko wiilkiisa.
“Waxaan tagay Saldhigga Booliska Shibis, kumana uusan jirin halkiisa. Subaxdii Axaddii abbaare 9.a.m waxaan tagay Godka Jilacow si aan u soo arko wiilkeyga laakiin saraakiisha halkaa joogtay ayaa ii diiday inaan galo. Maxamed waa aabbe dhalay saddex carruur oo yar yar, waxaana ka walwalsanahay xaalkiisa,” ayuu yiri Cabdiwahaab Nuur Mahdi.
Qoyska iyo wariyaashii la shaqeynayey Wariyahan xiran waxay SJS u sheegeen inaysan jirin wax dacwad ah oo lagu soo oogay illaa hadda inkastoo uu muddo ka badan 24saac xiran yahay.
Saraakiisha sare ee booliska way ka gaabsadeen inay ka hadlaan xarigga wariya markii ay SJS la xiriirtay Axaddii, halka saraakiisha Dembi-Baarista (CID) waxay sheegeen inaysan ka war-heynin xarigga wariyaha.
Ururka Suxufiyiinta Soomaaliyeed (SJS) wuxuu ka walaacsan yahay sii xirnaanshaha wariye Maxamed Cabdiwahaab Nuur, waxaana SJS ay ku baaqeysaa in si shuruud la’aan ah xorriyaddiisa loogu soo celiyo wariyaha.
“Waxaan sida ugu adag u cambaareynaa xarigga tifaftiraha Radio Hiigsi, Maxamed Cabdiwahaab Nuur, waxaana ku baaqeynaa in si deg deg ah oo shuruud la’aan ah lagu sii daayo,” Abdalle Axmed Mumin, Xoghyaha Guud ee Ururka Suxufiyiinta Soomaaliyeed (SJS) ayaa sidaa yiri, “Xariggan iyo kuwo kale oo la mid ah waxay muujinayaan xaaladda sii xumaaneysa ee heerka xorriyadda saxaafadda iyo tan hadalka ee Soomaaliya. Waxaan ka dalbaneynaa masuuliyiinta Soomaaliya inay warfidiyeenka siiyaan deegaan ammaan ah oo ka bed-qaba dhammaan handadaadaha oo ay ku jiraan xarigga kan oo kale ah oo ay suxufiyiintu awood u leeyihiin inay mihnadooda ugu shaqeysan karaan iyagoon ka cabsaneyn wax aargudasho ah marka ay wax ka sheegaan maamulka ama ciidanka.”
Radio Hiigsi editor, Mohamed Abdiwahab Nuur was illegally arrested on Saturday 29 Feb, 2020 in Mogadishu. | Photo/Courtesy/Private.
MOGADISHU, Somalia, 01 March, 2020 – Somali Journalists Syndicate (SJS) condemns the arrest of Mohamed Abdiwahab Nuur, the editor of the independent privately-owned Radio Hiigsi by the Somali National Intelligence and Security Agency (NISA) around 11.30 a.m on Saturday 29 February, 2020 in Mogadishu.
NISA officers arrested Mohamed Abdiwahab Nuur (better known as Abuuja) on his way to the radio station, according to Hussein Ahmed Tifow, the Director of Radio Hiigsi who spoke to SJS. Colleagues told SJS that Mr. Nuur was arrested over a critical editorial article questioning the ethical behaviour of the security forces which also criticised the use of disproportionate powers of the army during operations which was broadcast on Radio Hiigsi and also published on its social media platforms on 26 February 2020.
“Shortly before he was arrested, I spoke to Mohamed
Abdiwahab Nuur and he told me he was coming to the radio station. Around 2.p.m
his father informed us that he was arrested by NISA,” Hussein Ahmed Tifow,
Director of Hiigsi Radio told SJS.
The journalist’s father Abdiwahab Nuur Mahdi told SJS that after
several attempts to locate his son, he later learnt that he was held at the
notorious NISA detention Godka Jila’ow in Mogadishu. The father also told SJS that he was refused
to see his son when he visited Godka Jila’ow Prison on Sunday.
“I went to Shibis Police Station and he was not held there. On Sunday at 9.a.m I went to Godka Jila’ow to see my son but the officers refused me to access. Mohamed is a father of three young kids and I am worried about his situation,” Abdiwahab Nuur Mahdi said.
Family and colleagues also told SJS that there were no
charges brought against journalist Mohamed Abdiwahab Nuur despite being in
detention for more than 24hours.
Senior police officials did not comment when contacted by
SJS on Sunday mid-day while a senior officer at the Criminal Investigation
Department (CID) said they were not aware of the arrest of the journalist.
Somali Journalists Syndicate (SJS) is concerned about the
continued detention of journalist Mohamed Abdiwahab Nuur and calls for his unconditional
freedom.
“We condemn the arrest of Radio Hiigsi Editor, Mohamed Abdiwahab Nuur in the strongest terms possible and call for his immediate and unconditional release,” Abdalle Ahmed Mumin, Secretary General of Somali Journalists Syndicate (SJS) said, “This arrest and similar others represent the looming condition of the state of press freedom and freedom of expression in Somalia and we demand from the Somali authorities to give journalists safe environment, which is free from all kinds of threats including arrests similar to this, where they can practice their profession without fear of reprisals whenever they criticise or question authorities and the security services.”
Journalists Said Abdullahi Kulmiye (Said Nadara) and Ahmed Mohamed Ali photographed while in detention in Galkayo on Thursday 20 Feb, 2020. | Photo/Courtesy/Private.
Weriyaha Radio Hiiraan Weyn ee ku sugan Buulo Burde, Muumin Muxumed Biyow ayaa ciidamada milateriga Soomaaliya xabsiga u taxaabeen maalinimadii Arbacadii abbaare 10:00 subaxnimo xiligaasi oo uu wariyuhu u socday in uu warbixin ka diyaariyo odayaal dhaqameed ka soo horjeestay magacaabista muranka dhalisay ee Guddoomiyaha cusub ee Buulo Burde Feysal Haajir Aadan. Agabkii weriyaha ku shaqeynayay sida kaamiradii, taleefoonka gacanta iyo cod duubihiisii ayaa lagala wareegay sida maamulka idaacadda u sheegay SJS. Suxufiga ayaa habeenimadii Arbacaddii laga soo daayey xabsiga isagoo aan wax dembi ah maxkamadi lagu soo oogin.
“Weriyaheena wuxuu u socday in uu soo wareysto odayaal dhaqameed markii ciidamo militari ah oo uu hoggaaminayay Dhamme Cabdulqaadir Cali Nuur oo ka tirsan Ururka 41aad, Guutada Shanaad qeybtiisa 27 ay qabteen. Waxaana lagu xiray xerada militariga dhexdeeda illaa 8:30 fiidnimo, xiligaa oo la sii daayey,” Agaasimaha Idaacadda Hiiraan-Weyn Maxamed Cusmaan Makaraan oo SJS u waramay ayaa intaa u daray in agabkii weriyahana dib loogu soo celiyey.
Wariye Mumin Muxumed Biyow, oo ka tirsan Radio Hiiraan-Weyn oo waqti kooban Arbacadii lagu xiray Buulo Burde. | Sawirka/Radio Hiiraan Weyn.
Dhanka kale, Maamulka Puntland ayaa magaalada Gaalkacyo ku xiray saddex saxafi oo kala ah: tifaftiraha Kasmaal Media, Saciid Cabdullaahi Kulmiye (Saciid Nadaara); wariyaha SBC TV, Cabdiweli Jaamac Cagaarane iyo agaasimaha idaacadda Codka Nabadda, Axmed Maxamed Cali. Saddexda saxafi ayaa warar ka tebinayay ganacsato ka gadoodsan canshuur kordhin maamulku Puntland ku soo rogay oo sababtay in suuqa Gaalkayo uu xirmo Khamiistii.
Siciid Nadaara ayaa SJS u sheegay in ciidamada boolisku ay ka qaateen qalabkii ay ku shaqeynayeen, isla markaana saraakiishu oo adeegsanaya feer iyo qoriga afkiisa ay garaaceen ka hor intaan la xirin. Saraakiisha booliska ayaa waxaa wehlinayay xisaabiyaha Wasaaradda Maaliyadda Puntland, Ismaaciil Nuur Geesey oo sida ay suxufiyiintu sheegeen bixiyay amarka xarigga iyo jirdilka loogu geystay suxufiyiinta.
“Ciidamada booliska oo uu wehliyo xisaabiyaha Wasaaradda Maaliyadda, Ismaaciil Nuur Geesey ayaa xarig iyo jirdil noo geystay, iyadoo xisaabiyuhu noogu hanjabay in uu na dhibaateyn doono haddii cabashada ganacsatada aan warbaahinta gelino,” Wariye Siciid Nadaara ayaa sidaa SJS u sheegay.
Saddexda saxafi ayaa la siidaayay kadib markii uu soo farageliyay Guddoomiyaha gobolka Mudug ee Puntland Axmed Muuse Nuur. Suxufiyiinta ayaa la sii daayay iyagoon wax dembi ah maxkamadi ku soo oogin.
“Waanu cambaareyneynaa xarigga sharci darrada ah ee loo geysanayo suxufiyiinta taasoo looga gol leeyahay in lagu khalkhal geliyo suxufiyiinta si ay uga joogsadaan tebinta wararka ay ku jirto maslaxadda iyo danta guud ee dalka,” Xoghayaha Guud ee Ururka Suxufiyiinta Soomaaiyeed (SJS) Cabdalle Axmed Mumin ayaa ugu baaqay maamulada Hirshabelle iyo Puntland iyo dowladda Federaalka inay sida ugu dhakhsiyaha badan baaritaan deg deg ah ugu sameeyaan dhacdooyinkan, isla markaana caddaaladda la horkeeno shakhsiyaadka lagu helo dembiyada ka dhanka xuquuqda aadana ee suxufiyiinta.
“Warbaahin madax-bannaan waa habka keli ah ee lagu dhisi karo bulsho dimuqraadi ah oo caafimaad qabta. Xarrigga sharci darrada ah, weerarada iyo handadaada ka dhanka ah suxufiyiinta waa is-hortaag xaqa helista xogta, waxaana ka dhalanaya xadgudub dhanka xuquuqda aadanaha ah.” Xoghaye Cabdalle Mumin ayaa intaa ku daray.
Journalists Said Abdullahi Kulmiye (Said Nadara) and Ahmed Mohamed Ali photographed while in detention in Galkayo on Thursday 20 Feb, 2020. | Photo/Courtesy/Private.
MOGADISHU, Somalia, 20 February, 2020 – Somali Journalists Syndicate (SJS) condemns the arbitrary arrests against four journalists in the towns of Galkayo and Bulo-Burte on Wednesday 19 February and Thursday 20 February respectively.
Radio Hiiraan-Weyn reporter, Mumin Muhumed Biyow was at 10.00 a.m local time on Wednesday morning taken into custody by Somali National Army (SNA) in the town of Bulo-Burte in Hiiraan region as he was going to interview local traditional elders who opposed the controversial appointment of a new district commissioner, Feysal Hajir Adan. The journalist’s equipment including mobile phone, camera and voice recorders were confiscated, according to colleagues who spoke to SJS. He was released on Wednesday night without charge.
“Our reporter Mumin Muhumed was on his way to meet an interview the elders when the military officers led by Captain Abdulkadir Ali Nur from the 27th Division of the 41st Brigade’s 5th Company, of SNA arrested him. He was detained at the military camp until 8.30 p.m when he was released,” director of Radio Hiiraan-Weyn, Mohamed Osman Makaran who told SJS that the journalist’s equipment were returned.
Radio Hiiraan-Weyn reporter, Mumin Muhumed Biyow briefly arrested in Bulo-Burte town, Hiiraan region, central Somalia, Wednesday 19 Feb, 2020. | Photo/ Courtesy/Radio Hiiraan-Weyn.
In a separate incident, Puntland authorities in Galkayo arrested three journalists: Kasmaal Media editor, Said Abdullahi Kulmiye (known as Said Nadara); SBC TV reporter, Abdiwali Jama Agarane and the director of Radio Voice of Peace (Codka Nabadda) Ahmed Mohamed Ali. The three were covering a protest by the local business community complaining against taxes hike and subsequently led to the closure of businesses in Galkayo on Thursday.
According to Said Nadara, the police confiscated their journalistic equipment and started punching and beating with their guns before arresting the three journalists. The police officers were accompanied by the accountant of Puntland’s Ministry of Finance, Ismail Nur Gesey who, according to the journalists ordered the arrest and physical harassment against the journalists.
“They [police] together with the accountant of the Ministry of Finance, Mr Ismail Gesey punched us and beat us with their guns. Mr. Gesey further threatened that he will harm us if we report the news of the protest,” journalist Said Nadara told SJS.
The three journalists were released after intervention from Governor of Mudug, Mr. Ahmed Muse Nur. There were no charges brought so far against the trio.
“We condemn the unlawful detentions and intimidations meant to stop journalists from covering certain issues of public interest. These actions are violations against the right to freedom of information,” Abdalle Ahmed Mumin, Secretary General of the Somali Journalists Syndicate (SJS) said, “We call for the regional and the federal authorities to investigate the matter and bring those responsible to justice.”
“Independent reporting is the only way to flourish a democratic and healthy society and attacking, arresting and intimidating journalists might constitute rights violation and therefore officials responsible for these violations should never get away with it.” Mumin added.
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