Home Blog Page 57

Somaliland authorities indefinitely shut down two privately owned TV Stations in Hargeisa

By
Admin
-
0
ERYAL and Horyaal 24 logos
Photo: ERYAL and Horyaal 24 logos.

MOGADISHU, Somalia, 18 June, 2019 – Somali Journalists Syndicate (SJS) strongly condemns the closure of two privately-owned TV stations in Hargeisa by Somaliland authorities on Tuesday morning, 18 June, 2019, the latest in a string of attacks against the press in Somalia.

Around 7.30am local time, more than 10 police officers under the leadership of Somaliland’s Deputy Head of Criminal Investigations Department (CID) Abdi Fiin went to Eryal TV and Horyaal 24 TV studios in Hargeisa and instructed the management of the two television to close indefinitely.

According to Eryal TV chairman, Adan Aidid and Horyaal 24 TV chairman, Mohamed Osman Mire (Sayid), the deputy head of CID Abdi Fiin presented them a written order of closure by Somaliland’s Information Minister, Mohamed Muse Dirie which the officers took back after the two media outlets’ chairmen read it.

Eyewitnesses and journalists said the journalists and other staff members who were on duty when the police officers arrived were ordered to leave the premises.

The letter of the closure, according to the both chairmen, alleges that “Eryal and Horyal 24 accustomed to propagating anti-Somaliland Army news, propaganda against security and fueling conflict within the community”

 “The CID officers raided our stations and ordered both televisions be shut without clear reason,” Adan Aidid of Eryal TV told SJS on the phone.

“We are shocked to hear all these fabricated allegations,” Mohamed Osman Mire (Sayid) of Horyaal 24 TV told SJS on the phone “We are independent media and our role is to inform the public through factual reporting so I don’t understand why the government is alleging us on these things.”

SJS has learnt that the same letter ordered “suspension of any other TV and newspaper already registered but has not yet started operation” meaning that dozens of newly established media outlets or in the process of establishing will not be allowed to operate indefinitely.

“We condemn the closure of the two privately owned TV stations in Hargeisa, which is meant to intimidate and suppress the independent media through violent crack down.” SJS said, “We call for the Somaliland authorities to unconditionally allow both TV stations to resume operations.”

Shortly before midday on Tuesday, a group of media directors including Eryal and Horyaal 24 went to the Office of the Minister of Information Minister of Somaliland in Hargeisa to seek for further explanation about the closure. Staff at the Office of the Minister told them that the minister was not at the time in the office.

Both chairmen Aidid and Mire later held a press conference asking authorities for a clarification of the closure.

Both stations’ management told SJS that they will go to the court to challenge the closure of their stations.

In a separate case, Somali police officers in Mogadishu on Sunday 16 June, 2019, briefly detained journalist Mohamud Abdinasir Sofeysane, Shabelle TV reporter and his cameraman, Mohamed Nur Amin.  Both were on assignment when the police stopped and detained them at Hawl-wadag police station for several hours before they were released without charge.

Somali police assault, fire live ammunition at journalists and deny access to blast site in Mogadishu

By
Admin
-
0
Police officers are seen at the scene of blast at Sayidka Junction following a car bomb on Saturday June 15, 2019. Photo credit/ Said Yusuf Warsame.
Police officers are seen at the scene of blast at Sayidka Junction following a car bomb on Saturday June 15, 2019. Photo credit/ Said Yusuf Warsame.

MOGADISHU, Somalia, 15 June, 2019 – Somali Journalists Syndicate (SJS) strongly condemns the police assault, firing live ammunition at journalists and denial of access, after a group of journalists went to report following a car bombing at Sayidka Junction near the Parliament Building in Mogadishu on Saturday 15 June, 2019.

At 02.10pm local time, police at the Sayidka checkpoint stopped Al-Jazeera Arabic’s correspondent, Jama Nur Ahmed; Al-Jazeera English, Mohamed Abdihakim Ismail; Reuters Photojournalist and reporter, Feisal Omar; AFP Videographer, Abdirazak Hussein Farah and Sadaq Mohamed Mohamud, Anadolu cameraman as they were trying to reach the site of the car bombing.

When the journalists tried to explain to the police about their reporting mission, a police officer fired two bullets on air and then pointed his rifle on Jama Nur’s head, according to Jama Nur Ahmed and two other colleagues who spoke to Somali Journalists Syndicate (SJS).

The journalists said the police officers told them they had orders restricting journalist coverage at the scenes of attacks and threatened that any journalist who tries to film will either be shot dead or his/her equipment will be broken resulting the journalists to return back from the scene.

“Police informed us that they have orders to deny journalists from accessing the scene and shoot any journalist who films or takes photos during bombings,” Jama Nur Ahmed of Al-Jazeera told SJS “Even, a member of the police fired live bullets at us endangering our lives. Thanks God no journalist was hurt.”

“The police are treating the journalists as criminals. This is not the first time we encounter such a problem. Whenever we go to report places of explosions the police block our access,” Feisal Omar of Reuters told SJS “We cannot report freely.”

Minutes later, a group of other journalists including European Pressphoto Agency (EPA) photographer, Said Yusuf Warsame and Reuters Videographer, Abdirahman Hussein among others were denied access as they tried to reach the blast site.

“Police pointed their guns at us as we approached the Sayidka Junction. We left the place without doing any job,” Said Yusuf Warsame of EPA told SJS.

Somali Journalsits Syndicate (SJS) calls the Ministry of Information, Police Commissioner and the Office of the Prime Minister to open a proper investigation into today’s act of shooting and violence against the journalists and take appropriate steps against those responsible.

SJS condemns the police brutality and obstruction of journalists’ access to information including reaching and reporting from places of important newsy incidents which is a basic constitutional right.

“This is a symptom of a worsening situation against journalists in Somalia where impunity has been prevalent. We call the highest offices of the government including that of the Office of the Prime Minister to intervene in order for the journalists to report freely and accurately without fear,” Somali Journalists Syndicate (SJS) said.

On May 14, police confiscated journalists’ equipment and detained a cameraman while beating up two others during when a group of journalists went to report from a blast site in Warta Nabadda district in Mogadishu.

Somali military soldiers threaten to kill, harass and shoot at Radio Kulmiye reporter in Mogadishu

By
Admin
-
0
Journalist Hussein Abdulle Mohamed | Photo Radio Kulmiye.
Journalist Hussein Abdulle Mohamed | Photo Radio Kulmiye.

MOGADISHU, Somalia, 9 June, 2019 – Somali Journalists Syndicate (SJS) condemns the act of shooting, threats to kill and harassment by Somali military soldiers against Radio Kulmiye reporter and producer Hussein Abdulle Mohamed (known as Hussein Gurmad) in Somalia’s capital, Mogadishu on Sunday 9 June, 2019.

Around 9.15am local time on Sunday, bodyguards of General Saney Abdulle Gaab smashed the journalist’s private car’s sidebar mirror at a security checkpoint at Hawo Tako area, near the Villa Somalia Palace.  The journalist was at that time heading to his work from home, according to Radio Kulmiye and the journalist himself.

“I was waiting my turn at the security checkpoint when General Saney’s soldiers on a military pick-up arrived. They smashed my car’s sidebar mirror and kicked it. When I complained and showed my journalism ID card, two soldiers came down from the pick-up, kicked me and threatened to kill me as they drove in speed,” journalist Hussein told SJS.

After the incident, the journalist drove to a next checkpoint to complain to the officers there but General Saney’s soldiers shot four bullets on the journalist’s car which luckily did not hurt outside the Parliament (People’s House) Building.

Photo shows the smashed sidebar mirror of the journalist's car. | Photo courtesy/Facebook Hussein Abdulle Mohamed.
Photo shows the smashed sidebar mirror of the journalist’s car. | Photo courtesy/Facebook Hussein Abdulle Mohamed.

According to the journalist and his editor, Abdiqani Abdullahi Ibrahim, the soldiers were even more aggressive after realizing Hussein was a journalist.

“When we heard the incident we have tried to reach to the relevant authorities but no action was taken until now,” editor Ibrahim added.

Editor Ibrahim told SJS that journalist Hussein had previously being threatened by military officers including General Saney’s soldiers.

On April 11, at the same checkpoint, military soldiers attached to General Odawa Yusuf Rage, the commander of Infantry Forces hit journalist Hussein with guns and threatened to kill as the journalist was driving to his radio station.

When the journalist attempted to complain against the April 11 incident, he was not successful and was even discouraged to file any official complaint for fear of repercussion, both the journalist and his editor told SJS.

“Somali Journalists Syndicate (SJS) vehemently condemns the acts of shooting and threats to kill and harassment against our colleague. It’s unacceptable and against the laws of the country to harass and threaten to kill a journalist.” SJS said,

“The military and police officers should not be above the law. The government should investigate officers who were responsible for today’s incident against journalist Hussein and bring them to book.” SJS added.

Since the start of this year, Radio Kulmiye has faced several cases of threats and detention against its journalists and their equipment confiscated by government security forces.

On May 22, security forces at Daljirka security checkpoint shot at, beat up and briefly detained a journalist and a cameraperson from Radio Kulmiye while on a reporting mission.

Ciidanka militariga Soomaaliya oo o dil ugu hanjabay, handaday, rasaasna ku riday wariye ka tirsan Radio Kulmiye ee Muqdisho

By
Admin
-
0
Journalist Hussein Abdulle Mohamed | Photo Radio Kulmiye.
Journalist Hussein Abdulle Mohamed | Photo Radio Kulmiye.

MUQDISHO, Soomaaliya, 09 June, 2019 – Ururka Suxufiyiinta Soomaaliyeed (Somali Journalists Syndicate SJS) waxaa uu cambaareynayaa falka rasaasta loo adeegsaday, handadaada iyo hanjabaadda ay ciidanka militariga Soomaaliya u geysteen wariyaha Radio Kulmiye, Xuseen Cabdulle Maxamed (Xuseen Gurmad) ee ka dhacay magaalada Muqdisho Axadda, bisha June 9keeda, 2019.

Abbaare 9.15 waqtiga gudaha Maanta oo Axad ah, ayaa ciidan ilaalo u ah Jeneraal Saney Cabdulle Gaab oo ka tirsan militariga Soomaaliya waxay jajabiyeen muraayadda haadka ee baabuurka wariyaha xilli uu taagnaa bar-kontorool oo ku taalla Xaawo Taako, una dhow xarunta Madaxtooyada. Wariyaha wuxuu xilligaa ku jiheysnaa goobtiisa shaqada wuxuuna ka yimid gurigiisa, sida ay sheegeen Idaacadda Kulmiye iyo wariyaha laftiisa.

“Waxaan sugayey in la iga fasaxo goobta kontoroolka markii ay yimaadeen Jeneral Saney illaaladiisa oo watay baabuur ciidan oo dusha ka furan. Waxay jajabiyeen baabuurkeyga muraayaddiisa, wayna laadeen. Markii aan dacwooday oo aan tusay aqoonsigeyga wariyanimo, labo askari ayaa soo degtay oo I laadday kaddibna iigu hanjabtay inay I dilayaan. Wayna dhaqaaqeen,” ayuu wariye Xuseen Cabdulle u sheegay SJS.

  • SAWIR: Baabuurka wariyaha oo muraayadda haadka ka jabsan. | Photo /courtesy Facebook Hussein Abdulle Mohamed.

Falkaasi ka bacdi, wariyaha ayaa baabuurkiisa usii kexeeyay kontoroolka labaad si uu uga cawdo, hase yeeshee askarta Jeneral Saney ayaa afar xabbadood ku soo riday baabuurka wariyaha kuwaasoo aanan haleelin nasiib wanaag isagoo marayey meel u dhow Dhismaha Baarlamaanka.

Sida uu sheegay wariye Xuseen iyo tifaftiraha Radio Kulmiye, Cabdiqani Cabdullahi Ibraahim oo la hadlay SJS, askarta ayaa aad u sii gardarrooday kaddib markii ay ogaadeen in Xuseen uu yahay wariye.

“Markii aanu maqalnay dhacdada, waxaan isku daynay inaan la xiriirno saraakiisha ku shaqada leh hase yeeshee illaa hadda wax tallaabo ah lama qaadin,” ayuu sii raaciyay tifaftire Cabdiqani.

Tifaftiraha Radio Kulmiye ayaa SJS u sheegay in wariye Xuseen uu horey ula kulmay hanjabaado kaga yimid saraakiil ciidan oo ay ku jiraan askarta Jeneraal Saney.

11-kii bishii April, isla kontoroolkan ayaa ciidan la socday Taliyaha Ciidanka Lugta, Jeneraal Odawaa Yuusuf Raage waxay qori ku garaaceen, dilna ugu hanjabeen wariye Xuseen xilli uu wariyuhu ku sii jeeday shaqadiisa.

Markii uu wariyuhu doonay inuu ka dacwoodo falkaasi kuma uusan guuleysan, waana laga niyadjabiyey sababo la xiriira cawaaqibka uga iman kara wariyaha hadduu dacwoodo, sida ay sheegeen tifaftiraha iyo wariyaha-ba.

“Ururka Suxufiyiinta Soomaaliyeed SJS wuxuu cambaareynayaa falka toogashada, hanjabaadda dilka iyo handadaada loo geystay saaxiibkeen. Ma’aha wax la aqbali karo, shuruucda dalkana way ka soo horjeeddaa in handadaad iyo dil ku hanjabis loo geysto wariye.” Sidaasi waxaa yiri Ururka SJS.

“Saraakiisha booliska iyo militariga kama sarreeyaan sharciga. Dowladda waa inay baartaa kuwa ka masuulka ah falkii loo geystay wariye Xuseen, sharcigana la horkeenaa.” SJS ayaa sidaasi sii raacisay baaqeeda.

Tan iyo bilawgii sannadkan, Radio Kulmiye ayaa waxaas oo wajahay dhowr dhacdo oo wariyaal ka tirsan lagu xayiray, handadaad loogu grystay iyadoo qaarkoodna qalabkoodii laga qaatay.

22kii bishii May, ciidanka ammaanka ee jooga Kontoroolka Daljirka ayaa rasaas ku riday, garaacutaan ku sameeyay, waqti koobanna xiray wariye iyo filimduube ka tirsan Radio Kulmiye.

Somali Journalists Syndicate co-founder explains SJS vision, membership and objectives

By
Admin
-
0

On 7 June, 2019, Mogadishu-based Radio Kulmiye features Somali Journalists Syndicate (SJS) by interviewing co-founder, Abdalle Ahmed Mumin who explains the journalist body, its vision, membership and objectives and discusses general overview about the challenges faced by Somali journalists.

Interview link here (Somali).

Barnaamijka Kulanka Wariyaha – Radio Kulmiye: Somali Journalists Syndicate – 07 June, 2019

By
Admin
-
0

Mid ka mid ah aas aasayaasha Ururka Suxufiyiinta Soomaaliyeed (Somali Journalists Syndicate SJS), Abdalle Ahmed Mumin ayaa wareysi ku saabsan ujeeddooyinka SJS, shuruudaha xubinimmada iyo hiigsiga uu doonayo ka siiyey Radio Kulmiye.

Halkan ka dhageyso

Ama MP3 ahaan u dhegeyso

Police Finally Release Detained Journalist After Court Order

By
Admin
-
0
Wariyaha Goobjoog Cali Aadan Muumin oo maxkamadda la horgeeyay Arbacadii 29 May, 2019.
Wariyaha Goobjoog Cali Aadan Muumin oo maxkamadda la horgeeyay Arbacadii 29 May, 2019.

Somali Journalists Syndicate (SJS) welcomed the release, but called upon the Somali authorities to respect freedom of the expression and stop harassing journalists who express their views.

Source: Radio Dalsan

Goobjoog Media reporter freed after spending four days in jail

By
Admin
-
0
SJS led a journalists campaign in Mogadishu demanding release of Ali Adan Mumin on Friday evening, May 31, 2019. | Photo credit/Somali Journalists Syndicate (SJS).
SJS led a journalists campaign in Mogadishu demanding release of Ali Adan Mumin on Friday evening, May 31, 2019. | Photo credit/Somali Journalists Syndicate (SJS).

MOGADISHU, Somalia, 31 May, 2019 – Somali Journalists Syndicate (SJS) welcomes the release of Goobjoog media journalist Ali Adan Mumin who was released from police custody late on Friday 31 May, 2019. He spent four days in jail.

The journalist’s employer, Goobjoog media director Hassan Mohamed Mohamud told SJS that the journalist was released under the orders of Criminal Investigations Department (CID) Boss Colonel Omar Abdi Elmi.

“Our colleague Ali Adan Mumin is free. He was released from jail at 8.34pm local time. He is now at the Goobjoog Media where colleagues welcomed him and he will soon reunite with his family,” director Mohamud told SJS.

Journalist Ali Adan Mumin who spoke to SJS shortly after his release told SJS he was freed after he signed a letter brought to him by the CID boss Col. Elmi which states that the journalist can be summoned at any time.

“I am glad that I am free now. I was released from the jail tonight. I am bit concerned that I was given a letter to sign which says that I will be summoned by the police at anytime. I signed it because the officers told me they would not release me without signing it,” Mumin told SJS.

Journalist Ali Adan Mumin was freed Friday evening at 8.34pm. He thanked SJS team for the support. | Photo credit/Facebook.
Journalist Ali Adan Mumin was freed Friday evening at 8.34pm. He thanked SJS team for the support. | Photo credit/Facebook.

The journalist said that during his detention, he felt his freedom was infringed upon. He said when he went to the police CID headquarters on Tuesday after he was summoned a day earlier, he was a law abiding citizen and was not expecting to be jailed.

“I thank SJS team for the solidarity and the support they offered me during the time I was in jail,” journalist Mumin added.

SJS is relieved by the release of journalist Mumin. We call upon the Somali authorities to respect freedom of the expression and stop harassing journalists who express their views.

“After four long days, we are happy that our colleague has finally been freed.” SJS said, “We call upon the Somali government to respect the freedom of expression and refrain from repressive measures aimed to silence the independent voices.”

On Wednesday, Banadir Regional Court ordered the release of Mumin at the end of ongoing national exams after the court dropped charges brought by the State Attorney General’s office against the journalist. However the journalist remained in jail.

On Friday, SJS activists led dozens of journalists in Mogadishu in a protest against the continued detention of the journalist.

The journalist’s lawyer Abdirahman Omar who attended the protest called the police to uphold the Wednesday’s court order.

Ururka Suxufiyiinta Soomaaliyeed (SJS) oo Amaanay Maxkamaddii Burisay Eedeymihii loo heystay Wariye Cali Aadan Muumin

By
Admin
-
0
Wariyaha Goobjoog Cali Aadan Muumin oo maxkamadda la horgeeyay Arbacadii 29 May, 2019.
Wariyaha Goobjoog Cali Aadan Muumin oo maxkamadda la horgeeyay Arbacadii 29 May, 2019.

MUQDISHO, Soomaaliya, 29 May, 2019 – Ururka Suxufiyiinta Soomaaliyeed (SJS) ayaa ammaanay go’aanka Maxkamadda Gobolka Banaadir ay ku tirtirtay dhammaan eedeymihii loo heystay wariyaha Goobjoog Cali Aadan Muumin.

Xeer Ilaalinta Dowladda ayaa saaka oo Arbaco ah 29 May, 2019 hor keentay Maxkamadda Gobolka Banaadir illaa shan eedeyn oo ku suntan Xeerka Ciqaabta Soomaaliyeed, kuwaasoo ku xusan Qodobadda 215, 219, 220, 267 iyo 268. Qodobadan ayaa ka hadlaya eedeymo isugu jira aflagaado, dacaayad, xushmad dareyn iyo carqaladeyn hawl xafiis dadweyne.

Garsooraha Maxkamadda Gobolka Banaadir ayaa gebi ahaan diiday eedeymaha ku xusan qodobadan, isagoo ku tilmaamay kuwo aan ku habooneyn eedeymaha la soo jeediyay.

Garsooraha ayaa faray booliska inay wariyaha siidaayaan marka uu dhammaado Imtixaanka Shahaadiga ee hadda socda kaasoo la sheegay in maalinta Khamiista ee berito 30 May, 2019 uu ku eg yahay.

Qareenka wariyaha Cabdiraxmaan X. Cismaan oo metelayey wariyaha isagoo ka wakiil ah Somali Journalists Syndicate – SJS ayaa ku tilmaamay eedeymaha la soo oogay kuwo lala yaabo. Wuxuu qareenku ku sifeeyay sii xirnaanshaha wariye Cali Aadan Muumin mid sharciga hareer marsan,

“Maadaama Maxkamad sharci ah ay fartay in la sii daayo wariyaha waxay ahayd in deg deg loo sii daayo wariye Cali Aadan Muumin,” ayuu sii raaciyay Abuukaato Cabdiraxmaan hadalkiisa.

Waxaa xusid mudan in warqadda u yeeridda ee wariyaha loo diray ay soo baxday 25 May, 2019, halka eedeynta ah in wariyuhu wax ka qoray qishka imtixaanka la daabacay 26 May, 2019, taasoo muujineysa in xariiga wariye Cali Aadan Muumin uu ahaa mid horey u sii qorsheysnaa.

Ilo saxaafadeed ayaa u sheegay Somali Journalists Syndicate – SJS in xarigga wariyaha ay amartay Taliye ku Xigeenka Booliska, Gen. Zakiya Xuseen kaddib markii wariyuhu qoraal uu ku daabacay boggiisa Facebook 22 May, 2019 uu ku sheegay in Gen. Zakiya aysan aqoonin af Soomaali wanaagsan.

Agaasimaha Goobjoog, Xasan Maxamed Maxamuud oo Somali Journalists Syndicate – SJS la hadlay ayaa caddeeyay in Maxkamadda ay ka filayeen in deg deg loo siiyo wariyaha xorriyadiisa.

“Waxaan filaynay in saaxiibkeen Cali Aadan Muumin uu heli doonno xorriyadiisa, maadaama sifaha lafu xiray aysan markii horeba sharci ahayn,” ayuu sii raaciyay hadalkiisa agaasime Xasan.

Somali Journalists Syndicate – SJS waxay soo dhoweyneysaa go’aanka Maxkamadda ee baabi’inta eedeymaha, hase yeeshee waxaan ku baaqeynaa in deg deg loo sii daayo wariye Cali Aadan Muumin.

“Waa wax laga xumaado in eedeymo lagu soo oogo wariye qoray aragtidiisa oo kaliya.” ayaa lagu yiri war saxaafadeedka Ururka Suxufiyiinta Soomaaliyeed (SJS).

Somali Journalists Syndicate – SJS waxay ugu baaqeysaa masuuliyiinta dowladda inay dulqaad u yeeshaan dhaliilaha, maadaama dadka haya xilalka dadweynaha aysan ka reebaneyn in la dhaliilo.

“Ma’ahan in wariyaashu ka cabsadaan in ay dhibaato uga timaado haddii ay xitaas u’alo weydiiyaan ama ay dhaliilaan masuuliyiinta- oo ay ku jiraan saraakiisha booliska oo ayna si adag u xisaabiyaan dhammaan masuuliyiinta dadweynaha,” ayuu sii raaciyay war saxaafadeedka SJS.

SJS praises court’s decision to quash charges against Goobjoog Reporter, demands immediate release

By
Admin
-
0
Journalist Ali Adan Mumin brought to Banadir Court in Mogadishu on Wednesday May 29, 2019. | Photo courtesy/SJS/Facebook.
Journalist Ali Adan Mumin brought to Banadir Court in Mogadishu on Wednesday May 29, 2019. | Photo courtesy/SJS/Facebook.

MOGADISHU, Somalia, 29 May, 2019 – Somali Journalists Syndicate (SJS) praises the Banadir Regional Court’s decision to reject charges against Ali Adan Mumin, Goobjoog Media reporter and welcomes the release of Bulsho TV correspondent, Abdirahman Keyse Tungub from Las’anod jail on Wednesday 29 May, 2019.

Banadir Regional Court Judge has on Wednesday quashed charges presented against journalist Ali Adan Mumin who was arrested by the police on Tuesday 28 May, 2019 in Mogadishu. He was taken to the court around 11.35am on Wednesday.

The government Attorney General’s office presented five charges under the Penal Code Articles of: 215 (Spreading Propaganda against the Nation); 219 (Disrespecting the Nation and the State); 220 (Insulting and Tarnishing the Character of the President); 267 (Violation against the Work of a Public Office) and Article 268 which alleges of Insulting a Public Officer.

The Presiding Judge of the Court clearly said that he was not convinced all the charges brought against the journalist and subsequently dropped all the charges against Mumin. The Judge however ordered the journalist be held in jail until midday Thursday May 30, 2019 and be released afterwards on the basis that the journalist previously posted allegations of national exam being leaked publicly.

According to lawyer Abdirahman Hassan Omar, who represented the journalist in the court today on behalf of Somali Journalists Syndicate (SJS), all the charges brought against the journalist were unfounded leading the court to reject it.

“All the charges presented by the State Attorney General were absurd,” said lawyer Osman “Since the Court has dismissed all the charges against the journalist it is unlawful to keep him in jail. He should be released immediately.”

It is worth noting that the summoning letter sent to journalist Mumin on Tuesday by the police investigations department (CID) was dated on 25 May, 2019 and the allegations about the leaked exams mentioned in his Facebook post was dated on 26 May, 2019, which the journalist only reported about an information available on the public domain and did not publish any exam papers.  This clearly indicates the timing of the order of the journalist’s arrest was pre-planed.

Journalist’s colleagues believe the journalist was arrested under the orders of Deputy Police Commissioner; Zakia Hussein following a Facebook post dated on 22 May 2019, which questioned Mrs. Hussein’s Somali language fluency.  In that post, journalist Mumin protested against lacking access to sites of blasts when reporting saying that “The police denied media access to the places of explosions, while the Deputy Police Commissioner, Mrs Zakia Hussein who also acts as a police spokesperson could not speak clear Somali language, and that she does not write accurate details among other points.”

Goobjoog Media director, Hassan Mohamud Mohamed has called the police to allow the journalist to resume his work and release him without further delays.

“First of all, the arrest of our colleague was illegal and contrary to the Constitution, we therefore anticipated that the court releases our colleague without any condition,” Mohamed told SJS “However we hope that they will set him free tomorrow as per the court orders.”

Somali Journalists Syndicate praises the court’s decision to drop all charges against the journalist, while SJS condemns the continued and illegal detention.

“It’s appalling to press charges against journalists over only expressing their opinions, which is a basic constitutional right” SJS said, “We call upon the Somali authorities to immediately release our colleague Ali Adan Mumin, since the court of law dismissed all charges against him.”

SJS calls public officials to show tolerance since they are not exempt from criticism.

“Journalists should not fear reprisals even after they question and criticize officials including police officers. It is the work of journalists to question and challenge all officials for the public interest,” SJS adds.

LAS’ANOD JOURNALIST RELEASED

In a separate incident in Somaliland, Somali Journalists Syndicate (SJS) welcomes the release of Bulsho TV correspondent Abdirahman Keyse Tungub from Las’anod prison where he was arbitrarily detained for 16 days without charges.

“I am free now and heading to my home,” he told SJS shortly after he was released around 10.35am local time on Wednesday. “The police orallly told me that I am free to go.”

Colleagues and the Abdirahman himself told SJS that his release was ordered by the Governor of Sool region, Abdiqani Mohamud Jiirre.

The journalist is still under medication following a leg injury resulted by shrapnel from a gunshot by the police on the day of his arrest.

“I am taking my medication and planning to take rest for a while before I resume my journalism work,” he told SJS.

While SJS welcomes the release of the journalist, we also demand the arrest of the police officer who shot the bullet that resulted Abdirahman’s injury.

1...56575859Page 57 of 59