FESOJ expressed concern over the attack, detention, torture and arrest of journalists in Mogadishu and Baidoa City.

MOGADISHU, Somalia, July 18 2022: The federation of Somali Journalists (FESOJ) is expressing deep concern and saddened by the torture by the security forces of the Deputy Wadajir District Commissioner of two reporters. They were recording the effects of the rain in Mogadishu for public information. It’s unacceptable to assault journalists gathering public information and discussing the problems resulting from the rainwater filling and mainly blocking the main streets of Mogadishu in general and how to address the challenge.

The attack on these journalists, Mohamed Nur Franca and Munasir Abdirahman, happened today, July 18, 2022, in El Qalow Wadajir District of Mogadishu city, while their media equipment, including their camera, was confiscated during the physical assault and torture.

Mohamed Franca and Munasar Abdi, who is working for the Arlaadi Media Network, an independent media network based in Mogadishu, were subjected to hand and face injury, particularly Munasar Abdi, in detention at the police station.

In addition, The Federation of Somali Journalists (FESOJ) is expressing deep concern over the detention of Hassan Ali Da’uud, better known as Sheelare, a journalist in Baidoa city, South West State, by the Security. His relatives have confirmed today that he is in custody for the fourth day.

The Journalist is a reporter for Arlaadi Radio based in Mogadishu city. The Journalist’s arrest came after he recorded voices from South West State Member of Parliament blaming the Speaker of Parliament.

Furthermore, reports indicate that journalist Hassan Ali Da’uud is detained at the security centre in Baidoa city, and attempts to contact him were impossible.

Recently, there has been suppression of the press in Baidoa city; similarly, Hassan Kulmiye Afrah and Mohamed Deeq Seejito, two journalists working in Baidoa city, were detained in Baidoa city in the past week.

The Federation of Somali Journalists (FESOJ) protest the ongoing detention as we call for his immediate and unconditional release. The authorities of South West State should not arbitrarily detain journalists for recording the voices of MPs expressing their critical views to the Speaker of the Parliament.

“We condemn the illegal arrest of journalist Hassan Ali Da’uud in Baidoa city three days ago. We demand his immediate release. There is no reason for a journalist to be arrested only for recording voices of MPs expressing their views for public interest for information on the events in his region,” Farah Omar Nur. the Secretary-General of the Federation of Somali Journalists (FESOJ), said.

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