National Union of Somali Journalists (NUSOJ) condemns – in the strongest terms possible – the arrest of three Somali journalists on Saturday, 12 November, 2016 in Kismayo, the capital of Jubbaland regional state, located around 500 km South of the Somali capital Mogadishu.
The arrest of Omar Yasin Omar, Masud Abdullahi Aden and Sakariye Abdulkadir was ordered from Jubbaland Information Ministry as all three journalists were taken from their stations by members of the Regional Intelligence Service. The media workers are now being held at an Intelligence Detention Center in Kismayo.
The arrest of the journalists was confirmed by Jubbaland Minster of Information and the head of Jubblanad Intelligence Department who accused journalists of posting social media what they called issues endangering the general security of the region.
Omar Yasin Omar works with Puntland TV ,Masud Abdullahi Aden works for Universal Tv while Sakariye Abdulkadir works with Bulsho TV.
NUSOJ President Mahir Jama Aden who contacted to Jubbaland Information Minster and Head of intelligence was told that journalists made ethical mistakes and will be taken to court from tomorrow.
“We ask Jubbaland Minstry of Information and intelligence department to release unconditionally the arrested journalists Omar Yasin Omar, Masud Abdullahi Aden and Sakariye and we call upon them to respect the media. Freedom of expression and freedom of opinion which 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.
NUSOJ concerns restrictions being imposed on media coverage as voting process is underway in Kismaayo.
Only three television channels were allowed to cover ongoing elections in Kismayo after electoral committee said they don’t have sufficient space for all other media.
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