Mogadishu – Feb-20-2017 National Union of Somali Journalists (NUSOJ) is very concerned about General Director and owner of Universal TV aLondon basedSomali TV , Engineer Ahmed Abuubakar who was arrested in Hargeisa, the capital of the of Somaliland on Sunday night February 19, 2017, the latest in a series of attacks against the press freedom and the freedom of expression in Somaliland.

Somaliland authorities did not comment on the latest arrest of the owner and General Director of universal TV, however, it is believed that his arrest follows some stories recently broadcasted in his TV which seemingly Somaliland authority didn’t like it.

Some sources in Hargeisa told NUSOJ over the phone that the General Director of Universal TV Engineer AhmedAbuubakaris arrested by Somaliland intelligence department and interrogating him despite there are ongoing attempts and negotiations to be released

This the second arrest in a week made by the Somaliland authority. On 15Feburay2017, Somaliland arrests a journalist

Abdimalik MuseColdoon, upon returning to Hargeisa.Coldoontravelledto Mogadishu to report from Somalia’s Presidential election but the authority accused him that he did beyond journalism and melted in the politics what they called another country. JournalistColdoonis still in the hands of security agencies without trail.

The Somaliland Information Minster Osman Abdullahi Sahardiid said that his administration will not tolerate the visits made by politicians and journalists to Mogadishu and then come back to Hargeisa without any repercussions. He accused visitors to Mogadishu were campaigning against the sovereignty of Somaliland.

"Somaliland authorities should not oppress the fundamental rights of the freedom of expression which are protected by the regional and universal principles.” Mohamed Ibrahim Moalimuu, NUSOJ Secretary General said in Mogadishu, "We, therefore, call upon the Somaliland authorities to immediately set free the journalists without condition.” Moalimuu added.

Somaliland authorities have been very aggressive to the press and have several times cracked down the press for reporting stories which were not deemedthreatto their security.

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©2017 National Union of Somali Journalists (NUSOJ) | Maka Almukarama road,Waberi,Mogadishu,Somalia