Somali Journalists Syndicate (SJS) has expressed concern over the increasing cases of harassment of journalists in Somalia.
The organization spoke on Monday as various stakeholders urged authorities to release Hashim Omar Hassan, a journalist working for Shabelle Media Network.
Authorities in Galmudug arrested and detained Hassan on December 3.
SJS has appealed for an end to the physical threats, arbitrary detention, and harassment meted out against journalists.
The organization, which agitates for the rights of journalists, warned that failure to do that could cause many journalists to flee the country.
Mohamed Ibrahim, the head of SJS, condemned the continuing arrest of journalists without court orders.
He asked the government to allow journalists to carry out their work without intimidation.
According to SJS, six Somali journalists have already fled the country and moved to Turkey and Kenya in fear for their lives.