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NUSOJ Decries Intimidation of Journalists in Northern Somalia

This statement was originally published on nusoj.org on June 1, 2016.

The National Union of Somali Journalists (NUSOJ) is deeply disturbed by the renewed the harassment and intimidation of journalists and brief detention of a TV journalist.

On Tuesday, 31 May 2016, Somaliland forces briefly arrested journalist Mohamed Ahmed Jama, reporter of KALSAN TV in Sool region. Ten soldiers raided an office where group of journalists were operating at around 2pm and forcefully arrested Jama who was detained at Las Anod police station for about 3 hours.

Governor of Sool region Mustaf Shiine ordered the arrest of the journalist. Las Anod journalists who met the governor over journalist’s arrest were informed that the motive behind Jama’s arrest was his news report on violent demonstration on 18 May in Las Anod against Somaliland declaration of “secession” over the rest of Somalia. Mustaf Shiine warned journalists of severe consequences for “negative reporting” on Somaliland.

“Intimidation and harassments against journalists are incompatible with a free press. Local authorities must end harassment of Mohamed Ahmed Jama and end intimidation of other local journalists,” said Omar Faruk Osman, NUSOJ Secretary General.

Mohamed Ahmed Jama was again summoned today at Las Anod Police Station to “justify” his report on 18 May.

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