The Independent Media Council of Somalia has strongly condemned the recent arrest of Shabelle Media Network’s Director, Abukar Sky, and Deputy Director, Mohamud Sofeysane, by Somali police forces. The Council described the incident as “reprehensible” and a serious violation of press freedom, calling for the immediate release of the detained journalists and a thorough investigation into the actions of the police officers involved.
This event is part of a broader pattern of media repression in Somalia. According to the National Union of Somali Journalists (NUSOJ), over 60% of reported cases in 2023 involved brief arrests and detentions of journalists, often used as intimidation tactics to suppress critical reporting. Police forces were identified as the primary perpetrators, responsible for nearly 87% of the incidents.
International organizations have also expressed concern over the increasing arbitrary arrests and detention of journalists in Somalia. ARTICLE 19 highlighted that in a single month, 32 journalists were arbitrarily arrested and detained, most released without charge, emphasizing the need for the Somali government to uphold its constitutional obligation of protecting freedom of expression.
These incidents underscore the urgent need for Somali authorities to respect and protect press freedom, ensuring that journalists can operate without fear of harassment or detention.