Somaliland: Human Rights Centre condemns the detention of 4 journalists in Borama
19thJanuary 2021- Human Rights Centre calls on the government of Somaliland to
release detained journalists immediately and unconditionally.
Hussein AteeyeGaafane
a reporter of Universal TV, AbdilaahiDahir Ways, of Saab TV, Ahmed Dirieiltire,
a reporter of SBC TV and Shuab Mohamed Kahim of Bulsho TV, have been in detention in Boorama since 16thJanuary 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 32of
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: [email protected]
Twitter: @hrcsomaliand