Somaliland: Human Rights Centre condemns the detention of 4 journalists in Borama

[Deeq A.]

Press release
Somaliland: Human Rights Centre condemns the detention of 4 journalists in
Borama
19th January 2021- Human Rights Centre calls on the government of Somaliland to release
detained journalists immediately and unconditionally.
Hussein Ateeye Gaafane a reporter of Universal TV, Abdilaahi Dahir Ways, of Saab TV, Ahmed
Dirie iltire, a reporter of SBC TV and Shuab Mohamed Kahim of Bulsho TV, have been in
detention in Boorama since 16th January 2021 on the order of the city Mayor, according to
multiple sources. They are not charged with any crime. All four journalists are based in Borama.
According to journalists who talked to Human Rights Centre, the detention of the journalists is
related to Facebook posts alleging undisclosed mayor’s visit in Djibouti. They were detained
without a court warrant.
“The detention is arbitrary and repressive. Somaliland journalists work in an increasingly
silencing environment,” says Yasmin Omar Haji Mohamoud, the Human Rights Centre’s
chairperson.
“Detention of journalists for Facebook posts is contrary to the Constitution and the Press Law of
Somaliland. The mayor has no legal authority to order detention of a person whom he dislikes
his opinion. Freedom of expression is a constitutional matter not subject to the approval of a
mayor,” adds Yonis Ismail Ibrahim, the Executive Director of Human Rights Centre.
According to Article 25(2) of the Constitution of Somaliland “no person can be arrested or
detained, except when caught in the act of committing a crime or, on the issue of a reasoned
arrest warrant by a competent judge”.
Article 32 of Somaliland Constitution state that “the press and other media are part of the
fundamental freedoms of expression and are independent.”
Human Rights Centre calls on the government of Somaliland to release detained journalists
immediately and unconditionally.
For further information contact:
Yasmin Omar Haji Mohamoud,
The Chairperson of the Human Rights Centre
Email: hrcsomaliland@gmail.com
Twitter: @hrcsomaliand

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