Omar Faruk Osman, the Secretary General of National Union of Somali Journalists (NUSOJ) has said that the charges leveled against a Voice of America (VOA) reporter, Muktar Mohamed Atosh, are trumped-up.
Osman said that Atosh’s arrest and detention are because of the rape report he recently filed.
The government of Somalia’s Southwest State arrested Atosh in Baidoa before holding him overnight at the Crimes Investigation Department (CID). Later, authorities transferred him to the Baidoa Police Station where he remains.
According to Osman, Atosh is facing charges based upon the country’s outdated penal code. He made these claims after studying the journalist’s charge sheet. Atosh is a member of NUSOJ’s Executive Committee.
Osman hit hard at the government for presenting him in court without a lawyer. He also criticized authorities for denying Atosh the chance to defend himself. Further, he termed the decision to transfer Atosh to the notorious Baidoa Central Police Station a “mockery” of justice.
Atosh, a well-respected VOA journalist, has shed light on several issues of grave importance to Somalis. Among them, he has reported on the shortcomings of the Southwest State’s government, especially its decision to cover up a rape case that shocked the world.