Somaliland’s crackdown on press freedom continues to escalate as journalist Abdirashid Abdiwahab Hussein becomes the second journalist thrown into an intelligence cell. The National Union of Somali Journalists (NUSOJ) expressed deep concern over this alarming wave of repression in Hargeisa.
The motive behind Hussein’s arrest remains unclear, as the intelligence services have not provided any reasons for apprehending him. However, local journalists believe it is linked to his brave coverage of the case of journalist Mohamed Abdi Sheikh. Hussein, along with other journalists, publicly protested against Sheikh’s unjust military trial and subsequently reported on the matter.
What is particularly troubling is the absence of a court warrant for Hussein’s arrest, mirroring the circumstances of the three journalists detained on January 6. Rather than following due process, plainclothes officers seized Hussein and forcibly transported him to the secret services’ headquarters. This blatant disregard for legal procedures highlights the arbitrary nature of the intelligence services’ campaign against journalists, with indications that it has political backing from Somaliland authorities.
Omar Faruk Osman, Secretary General of NUSOJ, condemned the actions of these rogue intelligence officers, stating they are relentlessly targeting journalists. Osman emphasized that Hussein’s arbitrary arrest is another clear indication of the deteriorating state of press freedom in Somaliland. He accused the administration of resorting to extreme measures to suppress independent journalism and silence dissenting voices.
We unequivocally call for the immediate and unconditional release of Abdirashid Abdiwahab Hussein, who bravely spoke out and covered the unjust treatment of his fellow journalist, demanded Osman.
The intensifying repression against journalists in Somaliland has raised serious concerns, prompting NUSOJ to closely collaborate with journalists in Hargeisa to tackle this campaign aimed at intimidating and diverting independent reporting.
In conclusion, the Somaliland authorities’ crackdown on press freedom continues as journalist Abdirashid Abdiwahab Hussein is unjustly thrown into an intelligence cell. His arrest, without a court warrant and shrouded in secrecy, raises serious questions about the state of press freedom in the region. NUSOJ has strongly condemned these actions and called for Hussein’s immediate release, emphasizing the need to protect independent journalism in Somaliland.
