The National Union of Somali Journalists (NUSOJ) condemns – in the strongest terms possible – the arrest of a Somali journalist on Saturday, 22 October, 2016 in Beledwein, the capital of Hiran region, located around 340 km North of Mogadishu.
The arrest of Jamaal Ali Yare, was ordered by the local police commander Ali Nur and he is now detained in Beledweyne police station.
I, Mohamed Ibrahim Moalimuu, the Secretray General of National union of Somali journalists contacted directly to the police commander who ordered the arrest of the journalist on the phone and he confirmed me that Jamaal is now in police custody.
“The arrest of Jamaal Ali Yare has nothing to do about journalism or a report he made in media but it is a different issue and I don’t want to comment about it now†Ali Nur told NUSOJ on the phone.
“”We ask the Administration of Hiran region to unconditionally release the journalist Jamaal Ali Yare and we call upon them to respect the media. Freedom of expression and freedom of opinion are among the most fundamental freedoms and rights in any democratic society.†Said Mohamed Ibrahim Moalimuu, Secretary General of the National Union of Somali Journalists.
Jamaal Ali Yare works with Hiiraan Weyn FM in Beledweyn , he also works as a local reporter of radio ERGO, a UN supported Humanitarian radio.
Somalia media was faced recently an increasing pressure from Somalia Federal Government and Regional States and Jamaal is becoming the fifth journalist arrested in a week without due process, therefore we again call on all actors to respect and guarantee the freedom of expression and media in the country.
