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NUSOJ Denounces Judicial Harassment of Journalists and Independent Media in Somaliland

Felicia Anthonio
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NUSOJ Denounces Judicial Harassment of Journalists and Independent Media in Somaliland

This statement was originally published on NUSOJ on 15 August 2016.

The National Union of Somali Journalists (NUSOJ) strongly condemns concerted attempts by Somaliland authorities to criminalize journalism and punish journalists over spurious, frivolous and vexatious legal cases.

A series of court cases filed against journalists and independent newspapers in Somaliland constitute judicial harassment and should be dropped immediately, the union demanded today.

Mohamed Mohamud Yusuf, Editor-in-chief of privately owned Foore newspaper and Abdirashid Abdiwahab Ibrahim, reporter & manager of Foore newspaper, are both facing criminal persecution. Ibrahim was arrested on 29 May 2016 by Somaliland security service at Hotel Imperial after Foore newspaper published on 28 May 2016 a report entitled “Is it true that 15% of 35% Somaliland is due to receive from DP (Dubai Port) for managing Berbera port will go to the family of Somaliland President Silanyo and their closest ministers”. Ibrahim, who was detained at terror Unit of Crimes Investigations Department (CID), was released on 1 June on bail. But the Attorney General pressed criminal charges against Ibrahim and Mohamed Mohamud Yusuf, editor-in-chief of Foore newspaper. The charges include publication of “false news” against the president’s family & Somaliland ministers, disturbing public order, anti-national propaganda and public incitement through fabrication. The hearing of the case was concluded and judge has retired to consider the evidence and provide a judgement.

Ogaal Newspaper and its editor-in-chief, Muse Farah Jambir, are in trail after they were accused by Attorney General of Somaliland for “defaming and smearing the President and the First Lady of Somaliland” by publishing “false news” over privatization of Petroleum tanks in port city of Berbera and alleged “interests of Somaliland’s first family” in these deals with businessmen. The journalist and the newspaper are both facing criminal libel charges at Marodi Jeh Regional Court in Hargeisa. The complainants of this case are President and first lady of Somaliland, and defendants are Muse Farah Jambir and Ogaal Newspaper. The case has been adjourned until for further mentions. Ogaal is still publishing.

Abdirashid Nur Waeys and Said Khadar Abdullahi, chairman and editor-in-chief of Hubsad newspaper respectively, are in court for allegedly publishing a newspaper which has “no license” to operate, according to charge sheet of Somaliland Attorney General. Somaliland closed down the newspaper and ordered printing houses not to print this newspaper. Waeys and Abdullahi were both arrested and detained for 7 days, before they were released on bail. The hearing of the case was concluded and jury has retired to consider the evidence and provide a judgement.

“We strongly protest the judicial harassment of Somaliland journalists and independent newspapers through ongoing criminal persecution. These are bogus, frivolous and vexatious legal cases which are intended to censor, intimidate and silence independent media, and to instill fear among independent journalists to who dare to speak truth to power,” said Omar Faruk Osman, NUSOJ Secretary General.

NUSOJ considers the ongoing judicial harassment a determined move from the side of Somaliland authorities to divert journalists’ time, energy and resources away from their independent media work. The union also received credible reports that all judicial proceedings against journalists and their papers are not carried out in full compliance with their right to a fair trial, as protected under international law, given that the litigants are from Somaliland political figures and government officials.

“The ongoing judicial harassment is indicative of a desire on the part of the authorities to restrict free press, and is a threat to the essential reporting that holds public officials to account,” declared Osman.

Journalists in Somaliland are particularly disturbed by the frequent use of penal code to persecute independent journalists and newspapers by fear, intimidation and burdening them with the cost of a legal defense until they abandon their independent reporting, instead of using Somaliland’s media law. The penal code criminalizes “defamation” and “false news”.

“We call on Somaliland authorities to drop all charges levelled against journalists and their media houses because of their media work, and ensure protection for journalists and independent media from any judicial harassment and persecution in relation to their media activities,” added Osman.

NUSOJ documented several cases of journalists in Hargeisa and Borame who were journalists were and detained because of their reports.

Benin: Armed Policemen Raid Newspaper Office

Felicia Anthonio
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This statement was originally published on mfwa.org on August 15, 2016.

 On August 11, 2016, about ten armed police officers in Benin raided the premises of the L’Audace Info newspaper on grounds of summoning the director of publications, Romauld Alingo.

Narrating the incident to the MFWA’s correspondent in Benin, Alingo said he received a phone-call from a neighbor that about 10 armed policemen had gone to his office to look for him but had met no one in the office. Soon after his neighbour’s call he received a phone-call from the police asking about his whereabouts.

“When they arrived at the office, they did not find anyone so they called me,” Alingo said. “I told them that I was not a criminal for security forces to raid my place of work and if they wanted to summon me, they should do so by providing an official summons.”

According Alingo the policemen accused him of publishing defamatory articles in the L’Audace Info newspaper about a university group, CERCO. The police also accused him of sharing the same articles on social media platform, WhatsApp.

Meanwhile the state-mandated regulator of audiovisuals and communication in Benin, the Haute Autorité de l’Audiovisuel et de la Communication, and a network of professional journalists, the Union des Professionnels des Medias du Benin, are said to be resolving the issue.

Liberia: Radio Station Shut Down

Felicia Anthonio
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This statement was originally published by mfwa.org on

The government of Liberia has shut down privately-owned Radio LIB24.

The MFWA’s partner organisation in Liberia Center for Media Studies and PeaceBuilding (CEMESP) reported that on August 13, 2016, officers of the Police Support Unit  and the National Security Agency of Liberia were seen barricading the premises of the radio station. The security officers were said to be accompanying court officers who were to effect the shutdown.

According to CEMESP, the shutting down of Radio LIB24, barely 24 hours after the broadcast of  the popular “Costa Show” on the radio station.

In its August 12, 2016 edition, the show gave an analysis on the Global Witness corruption report on Liberia in which President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf was accused of receiving USD $250,000 from an indicted senator, one Varney Sherman.

“The Costa Show,”  was  originally broadcast on Voice FM,  but was moved to Radio LIB24 after  the Liberia Telecommunications Authority (LTA) shut down Voice FM.  According to CEMESP, many believed the radio station was  shut down because it was critical of the government.  The LTA has however denied this and said  the station had been operating without a permit.

Ghana: Sports Journalists Attacked by Football Fans

Felicia Anthonio
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This statement was originally published on mfwa.org on
Two journalists from Jem FM, a privately-owned radio station in the Ashanti Region of Ghana were attacked by angry fans during a Ghana Premier League match on August 7, 2016.

Narrating the incident to the MFWA, Godfrey Sarpong, Director of Sports at Jem FM said the two journalists were Gomes Pageh and Emmanuel Opoku Tinkering were running a live commentary on the match between two local teams Kotoko and Dreams FC when the incident happened.

According to Sarpong, while running the commentary Pageh described a penalty awarded to Kotoko as “dubious.”

“Immediately after that comment, about six home fans came at him so he turned the phone to his colleague to continue with the commentary,” Sarpong narrated.

The fans reportedly subjected Pageh to a series of kicks, punches and slaps. He added that the mob subsequently turned on Emmanuel Opoku Tinkorang who tried to flee but slipped and fell heavily, resulting in a fractured ankle. Tinkorang was consequently rushed to the medical facility in the stadium. Both journalists had to go to the hospital the following day for further checks.

Sarpong condemned the attack on the journalists as “shameful and one that should not be repeated” but praised the leadership of Kotoko for their reaction to the incident. He revealed that the National Chairman of the club’s supporters union, Kweku Amponsah, went to the radio station on August 10, to present a letter of apology. He said the Communications Manager of Kotoko also issued a press statement condemning the attack on the journalists by their fans.

Uganda: Supporters of Inspector General of Police Assault Journalist

Felicia Anthonio
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This statement was originally published on hrnjuganda.org August 10, 2016.

A Bukedde newspaper journalist, Joseph Mutebi was 10th August, 2016 assaulted by  commercial (boda boda ) cyclists  believed to be supporters of the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Gen. Kale Kayihura, while covering them smashing Lawyer Abdallah Kiwanuka’s car. Kiwanuka is representing three complainants in a torture case instituted by private prosecution against the IGP.

“I was taking photos of ‘boda boda’ cyclists smashing lawyer Kiwanuka’s car, suddenly I heard them shouting, that is a Bukedde journalist beat him, they attempted to snatch my camera but was saved by an unidentified man who grabbed it and threw it in the nearby shop while saying this is a journalist don’t beat him,” Mutebi told HRNJ-Uganda.

Gen. Kayihura and seven senior police officers were expected to appear before the Chief Magistrate, Richard Mafabi, of Makindye Magistrates Court to answer charges of torture against supporters of former presidential candidate Rtd. Col.  Kizza Besigye. They however did not turn up.

A journalist who witnessed the beating said Gen. Kayihura’s supporters were afraid of Joseph’s coverage of the scuffle. “We were at court, and Kayihura’s goons did not want people to move out of the court premises, they did not want Mutebi to cover the scuffle that had ensued and when he did so, they beat him up,” the witness journalist told HRNJ-Uganda.

Mutebi who was receiving treatment at AAR Health Services told HRNJ-Uganda that he was hit on the head, chest, back, stomach and was now in severe pain.

This comes just two days after supporters of ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) Party mobbed up journalists at a court in Entebbe who were covering the five party supporters who had been remanded to Kigo Prison on alleged assault of journalist and maliciously damaging their property while covering the recently concluded elections at Entebbe. The Prison’ warden fired in the air to save the journalists from the rowdy mob. The HRNJ-Uganda’ Robert Ssempala and other journalists were injured in the process

“We condemn the actions by the commercial cyclists and the security personnel for beating up journalists who are the eyes and ears of the public. We implore the Uganda Police to investigate the cases expeditiously and bring the perpetrators to book. Mob justice should be fought by the State” said Robert Ssempala the HRNJ-Uganda National Coordinator.

Uganda: Ruling Party Mobilisers are Remanded to Prison for Assaulting Journalists

Felicia Anthonio
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This statement was originally published on hrnjugnada.org on August 9, 2016.

Chaos broke out at Entebbe Magistrates Court on 8th August 2016 when five ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) party mobilizers accused of assaulting and damaging journalists’ gadgets were remanded to Kigo prison.

The five NRM mobilizers, Lule Wamala Richard, Tibamanya Robert, Mubiru Arnold, Wasswa Hassan and Kuteesa Joshua appeared before Entebbe Grade 1 Magistrate, Mulondo Mastula, on charges of malicious damage to property and assault of three journalists; Kigongo Ssebalamu, Ssempijja Godfrey both of Vision Group and Kakooza George William of Central Broad Casting Services (CBS).

The accused pleaded not guilty and were granted cash bail of one million shillings each (400 USD) while the sureties were fused one million shillings not cash. However, the accused were unable to raise the bail money in time which resulted to their remand to Kigo prison.

The case was fixed for hearing on 24th August 2016. Prosecution, led by Nakato Lydia, alleges that on 4th March 2016, the accused persons while at Entebbe Municipal Council offices, assaulted and damaged property of Kigongo Ssebalamu, Ssempijja Godfrey both of Vision Group and Kakooza George William of Central Broad Casting Services (CBS). The journalists were covering the Entebbe Local Council Elections. They sustained bodily injuries and their cameras were destroyed in the process.

Meanwhile, chaos broke out within the court compound when 12 journalists attempted to take pictures of the five accused boarding the prison bus. Over 50 NRM supporters who were at the court attacked the journalists and blocked them from capturing the event. A scuffle between the journalists and NRM supporters ensued forcing the prison warden to shoot in the air to disperse them. The journalists were rescued by Entebbe police that salvaged the situation.

“Journalists should stand firm to defend their rights. This matter is about the safety and security of journalists on duty and the rule of law, and should therefore not be politicized. The NRM party should prevail over its members against targeting and endangering the lives of the journalists on duty. We commend the police and prison officials for calming down the situation. We pray that court hears this matter expeditiously to ensure that justice prevails,” said the HRNJ-Uganda National Coordinator, Robert Ssempala.

Mauritania: Authorities ban Media from Covering Arab League Summit

Felicia Anthonio
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This statement was originally published on mfwa.org on
The authorities in Mauritania barred about twelve journalists from covering the 27th Arab League Summit held in the country on July 25, 2016.

According to news reports even though the journalists had been accredited to attend the event, the authorities restrained them from entering the tent that was set up to host the summit.

The reports say “the main target of the ban was the Sahara Media Group” which is, often accused by the Mauritanian authorities of pursuing Moroccan interests, especially on the issue of Western Sahara. Western Sahara was annexed by Morocco in 1975, but Morocco’s claim to the territory has not been recognised by the international community.

Reports say the accreditation of the news agency Al Akhbar was also withdrawn without explanation. Journalists from the newspaper Le Calame, and website cridem.org were among media professionals who were denied access to the interior of the tent that hosted the Summit.

South Sudan Update: Prominent South Sudanese Journalist Granted Bail

Felicia Anthonio
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Prominent South Sudanese journalist and Editor-in-Chief of the Juba Monintor newspaper, Alfred Taban who was arrested by the National Security Service (NSS) has been granted bail after two weeks in detention.

The arrest of Alfred Taban by agents of the NSS was reported to be linked to the publication of an opinion piece in which he called for the removal of President Salva Kiir and the First-Vice President, Riek Machar. The publication accused both leaders of failure to work together to resolve the conflict situation in South Sudan.

Following an outcry by the local and international community, including a statement issued by the African Freedom of Expression Exchange (AFEX), calling on the South Sudanese authorities to release the Editor-in-Chief of the Juba Monitor, Alfred Taban was granted bail on July 29, 2016.

According AFEX’ source in South Sudan, although Alfred Taban has been released on bail, he still faces charges of  “publishing or communicating false information to Southern Sudan” and “undermining the authority of or insulting the president” under Article 75 & 76 of the Penal Code 2008.

AFEX commends the South Sudanese authorities for releasing Alfred Taban on bail. We however appeal to the country’s authorities to drop all charges against Alfred Taban, as he was expressing his opinion about issues of national concern in accordance with Article 19 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR).

Alfred Taban should be Released

Felicia Anthonio
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Alfred Taban should be Released

Prominent South Sudanese journalist, Alfred Taban who was arrested by agents of the National Security Service (NSS) on July 16, 2016 has been charged with “publishing false information” and “undermining the authority of the President”  under Article 75 & 76 of the Penal Code 2008, thus cannot be granted bail.

“No journalist deserves to go behind bars for expressing their opinion”.

Join the campaign by calling on President Salva Kiir to release Alfred Taban. Hash tag: #IstandwithAlfredTaban.

Twelve Days on, South Sudanese Journalist Still in Detention

Felicia Anthonio
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Twelve Days on, South Sudanese Journalist Still in Detention

The African Freedom of Expression Exchange (AFEX) is dismayed at the continued detention of South Sudanese journalist, Alfred Taban who has been held by the country’s security service for about 12 days without charges.

On July 16, 2016, agents of the National Security Service (NSS) arrested Alfred Taban, Editor-in-Chief of Juba Monitor, an independent English language daily newspaper in South Sudan. The security service accused the journalist of inciting violence, and consequently shutdown the Juba Monitor on the same day.

Though no formal charges have been brought against Taban, the journalist’s arrest is reported to be linked to an opinion piece he wrote a day earlier (July 15) in which he called for the removal of President Salva Kiir and the First-Vice President Dr. Riek Machar. The publication also accused both leaders of failure to work together to improve the security situation in South Sudan.

The NSS however allowed the Juba Monitor to resume publication on July 19, 2016.

While AFEX commends the decision of the NSS to allow the newspaper to reopen, we call on the authorities in South Sudan to release Alfred Taban, who has been in detention without charge for close to two weeks. The detention is arbitrary and unlawful as it violates Article 19 Section 4 of the South Sudan’s Constitution of 2011 which limits pre-trial detention to 24 hours.

Several local and international free expression and human rights organisations including AFEX have called on the South Sudanese authorities to unconditionally release Alfred Taban but to no avail.

AFEX is once again appealing to President Salva Kiir and the NSS to release Alfred Taban.

Who is Alfred Taban?

Alfred Taban Logune is a prominent South Sudanese journalist and founder of the Juba Monitor newspaper. He is also a founding member  and the current Chairman of the Association for Media Development in South Sudan (AMDISS), a local media rights advocacy group established in 2003. Taban has been a tireless advocate for freedom of expression in both Sudan and South Sudan regardless of the repressive and difficult media environment.

He was a powerful voice in the discourse that led to the signing of the 2005 Comprehensive Peace Agreement (CPA) which led to the birth of South Sudan.

Alfred Taban worked as a Reporter for BBC World Service in Sudan from the 1980s to the 1990s. He set up the Khartoum Monitor, the first independent English language daily in Sudan in 2000. Following the independence of South Sudan, Taban moved to Juba, the capital city of South Sudan where he established the Juba Monitor newspaper.

Alfred Taban’s tremendous contributions to the media, democracy and freedom of expression in both Sudan and South Sudan have gained international recognition. Taban received two international awards from the British Parliament in 2005 and he was awarded the National Endowment for Democracy Award by President, George W. Bush in 2006. He also testified in the US Congress on the press freedom situation in Sudan during the civil war.

The arrest and arbitrary detention of the outspoken media rights advocate, Alfred Taban is unfortunate and we urge the South Sudanese government to release him. Putting a journalist behind bars for close to two weeks without trial for expressing his opinion breaches the provisions of article 9 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR).

Victory Against Impunity: Editor, Reporters Win Assault Case in Court

Felicia Anthonio
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This statement was originally published on mfwa.org on July 27, 2016.

On June 27, 2016, a Human Rights Court in Ghana’s capital Accra, fined two persons for assaulting three journalists.

Israel Ayeh and Richjoyce Armah who are staff of the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) were ordered by the Court to pay a total of GHȼ 7500 as damages for assaulting Afia Pokuah, (editor), Nana Sefa and Shadrach Kofi Assan (reporters) of Adom FM. Out of the GHȼ 7,500, GHȼ 5,500 is to be paid to the journalists and GHȼ 2000 as costs to the Court.

Reporting the judgment, adomfmonline.com said “the court presided over by Justice A.M. Domakyaareh (Mrs) also ordered the respondents to jointly render an unqualified apology in writing to the applicants within fourteen (14) days from the day of judgement and cause same to be published in any daily newspaper of national circulation, giving it special prominence.”

The assault on the journalists dates back to September 2014.

On September 11, 2014, Ayeh and Armah assaulted the journalists after they went to the Ablekuma District Office of the NHIS to report on a biometric registration of persons who had been in a queue for hours.

Reporter Sefa initially went alone to cover the registration, however Ayeh, who is the Scheme Manager of the NHIS in the District confiscated the journalist’s phone and insisted he would only give the phone to Sefa if his editor (Pokua) came. Pokua consequently went to the office together with another reporter, Assan.

Upon reaching the office, Ayeh refused to return the phone to the journalists and together with his colleagues assaulted the journalists. Ayeh and his colleague, Armah, dragged Pokua into a gutter injuring her in the process. The other workers at the NHIS office also slapped Assan and deleted all the contents on Sefa’s phone.

The MFWA welcomes this news as a positive development in Ghana’s media landscape and freedom of expression struggle as there have been several violations against journalists which have gone unpunished. It is our belief that when perpetrators of freedom of expression violations are punished, it will go a long way to serve as a deterrent to others and contribute to ending impunity in the sub region. We also commend the journalists and the management of the radio station for initiating the case. We urge other media organisations to follow this example and ensure the safety of their journalists.

Police Detains Two Journalists, Assaults Three Others in Uganda.

Felicia Anthonio
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Police Detains Two Journalists, Assaults Three Others in Uganda.

This statement was originally published by hrnj-uganda on July 25, 2016.

A Delta Television journalist Jamil Mukiibi was attacked by commercial motorcyclists (Bodaboda) as he covered a scuffle between two rival cyclists’ associations. He sustained several injuries and lost his property in the Sunday afternoon attack at Nateete, a Kampala suburb on 24th July, 2016.

A section of commercial cyclists under their umbrella body Century Riders Association had gone to Boda boda 2010 offices in Nateete to demand for their motor cycles that were impounded when a scuffle ensued which saw some cyclists severely beaten and bled profusely. Boda boda 2010 is an association of commercial motorcyclists in Rubaga Division.

Mukiibi was donned in a Delta TV press jacket when covering the incident. He was attacked by a group of cyclists. He was able to recognize some of his attackers as Joel Kibirige and a one Igga, both residents of Nateete.

“They pulled me while beating me, they had a panga but I was lucky it did not cut me, my right eye is red and cannot see properly, I feel a lot of pain on the head, chest and left hand as a result of the beating.” Mukiibi told HRNJ-Uganda.

Mukiibi further told HRNJ-Uganda that he lost a sony camera, tripod stand, power bank and six hundred eighty thousand shillings only (USD200). He filed a case of assault and theft at Nateete police station. One witness has so far recorded a statement.

Elsewhere in Eastern Uganda, two journalists in Iganga district were on Saturday 23rd July, 2016 battered by the head of the security team of the Kyabazinga(King) of Busoga Kingdom, Wilberforce Gabula Nadiope, Lieutenant Mugoya. They told HRNJ-Uganda in an interview that they sustained head and chest injuries.

Fredrick Sooma of Bukedde Television and Solomon Hamala of Red Pepper Publications said they were invited by the minister for sports in the Kyabazinga Kingdom, Amin Bbosa to cover the launch of the inter county soccer tournament.

It took the intervention of the District Police Commander of Iganga District, Nassibu Nditta to restrain the soldier from doing more harm to the journalists.

The two have filed an assault case at Iganga police station and three witnesses have so far recorded statements.

The Kingdom spokesperson, Andrew Ntange disassociated the Kingdom from the said assault, “am aware that a journalist has filed a complaint at police. As a Kingdom, we isolate ourselves from the action of the UPDF soldier.” Ntange told HRNJ-Uganda

Meanwhile, in Kampala, Old Kampala police arrested and detained two Vision Group journalists, on 20th July 2016 for taking photographs at the station while covering a story of an alleged defilement. Mathias Ssebwato and Joseph Makumbi were charged with assault and criminal trespass before they were released after over ten hours’ detention. Makumbi’s camera was confiscated by the police.

“We condemn the actions of targeting journalists on duty. We implore the Uganda Police to investigate the cases expeditiously and bring the perpetrators to book. Old Kampala Police should drop the unfounded charges of assault and criminal trespass against the Vision Group duo.” said the HRNJ-Uganda National Coordinator, Robert Ssempala.

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