Bosaso, Puntland — A journalist detained by Puntland’s intelligence agency has been released without charge after spending three days in custody, as concerns grow over what media rights groups describe as an increasing crackdown on journalists in Somalia’s semi-autonomous Puntland region.
According to the Somali Journalists Syndicate (SJS), journalist Shucayb Daad Mohamed was arrested on 20 July by officers from the Puntland Intelligence and Security Agency (PISA) at Bosaso Airport, where he had gone to see off family members travelling abroad.
Mr Mohamed, who serves as head of programmes and a news reporter for the privately owned Sahal Cable TV, said he was held at a PISA detention facility in central Bosaso for three days. He told SJS that intelligence officers confiscated his mobile phones and questioned him about his recent reporting.
The journalist said he was initially held in a dark room before being transferred to another cell for interrogation. He said officers focused on his coverage of the closure of markets and disruptions to operations at Bosaso Port following protests by members of the business community against increased port tariffs.
In a statement issued on 21 July, Sahal Cable TV said Mr Mohamed’s arrest had been carried out without due legal process and called for his immediate release.
He was released on 22 July following advocacy by government officials and local journalists, according to SJS. His mobile phones were returned the following day after he was instructed to collect them from a nearby police station. No charges were brought against him.
Mr Mohamed had previously reported on Puntland’s security operations against militant groups in the Bari region.
Growing pressure on journalists
The Somali Journalists Syndicate said Mr Mohamed is the fourth journalist to be arrested in Puntland within the past month, describing the incidents as part of an escalating crackdown on media freedom.
Two of the arrests took place in Bosaso, where journalists have been covering the closure of the port and local markets, as well as rising tensions between Puntland security forces and groups alleged to support Somalia’s Federal Government.
The two other journalists detained during the same period—Suways Jama Mohamud and Mohamed Abdinasir Hussein—were arrested in Garowe and Qardho respectively. Both were released after spending several days in detention.
Journalists in Puntland have told SJS that reporting on the deteriorating relationship between the Puntland administration and Somalia’s Federal Government has become increasingly difficult. Reporters also say they are reluctant to cover security developments, including the ongoing military operation against extremist groups in the Cal Miskaad Mountains, because of fears of arrest or retaliation.
Call to respect media freedom
While welcoming Mr Mohamed’s release, SJS urged the Puntland authorities to respect freedom of the press and allow journalists to carry out their work without intimidation or arbitrary detention.
The organisation noted that both the Puntland Constitution and Somalia’s Provisional Federal Constitution guarantee freedom of expression and media freedom.
SJS Secretary General Abdalle Mumin said the recent arrests were a cause for concern.
“Puntland has long been regarded as one of the more open and democratic parts of Somalia, where respect for fundamental freedoms has set it apart. We are therefore deeply concerned by the increasing arrests of journalists reporting on matters of significant public interest, including legitimate concerns raised by the people of Puntland.”
He added:
“We remind the Puntland authorities to respect media freedom and stop arresting journalists simply for reporting on events in their communities. An informed public is essential to a functioning democracy, and protecting independent journalism benefits both the government and the people it serves.”
