Attorney General Suleiman Mohamed Mohamud’s office has introduced new charges against Abdiaziz Gurbiye, the Goobjoog Media Group journalist who is expected back in court tomorrow.
Gurbiye was first arraigned in court in April. Since then, he has appeared in court once more. His case has taken several twists and turns in a move that has drawn the ire of international and domestic human rights activists.
According to the activists, the charges are nothing but a “political ploy” by the government, which appears hell-bent on frustrating, harassing, and intimidating Gurbiye. His lawyers confirmed that the AG’s office summoned him to appear in court on Tuesday.
As per the new charge sheet, AG Mohamud appears to have dropped the previous accusations levied against Gurbiye of “dishonoring the image and prestige of the President of the Federal Government of Somalia.”
The new charges levied against him revolve around Article 269 and Article 328 of the Penal Code. According to the AG’s office, Gurbiye now must answer charges of “bringing public institutions into disrepute.”