President Mohamed Abdullahi Farmaajo has announced that his government is on the verge of reforming Penal Code of 1964, which is often described as “draconian” and “outdated.”
Consequently, the reformation should help to decriminalize professions such as journalism, which successive regimes in the country have not viewed kindly in the past.
While making the announcement, President Farmaajo says his administration sees the urgency of taking this measure as a means for protecting journalism.
Additionally, he also states that the reformed code should allow Somalis in the country to continue enjoying the freedom of expression, which the country’s constitution guarantees.
President Farmaajo was speaking in Mogadishu during the World Press Freedom Day. He recognized the nobility of journalism as a profession.
Farmaajo’s administration has been at crossroads with journalists in recent times. He has arrested and detained many journalists during his reign too.