Mogadishu: Saturday 01/04/2017 The National Union of Somali Journalists (NUSOJ) condemns in the strongest terms possible – the arrest of a Somali journalist on Friday, 01 April, 2017 by Ahlu Sunna Waljama (Regional Administration in the Central Somalia) in the town of Dhusamareeb on Friday night and called for the group to immediately release the detained journalist and create a friendly and secure environment for journalists where they can operate without fear or reprisals.

It is not clear yet the reason behind the arrest of Abdullahi WarsameRooblewho worked for Kulmiye Radio and Galgaduud radio since local administration didn’t so far comment it but the journalist spent overnight in prison in Galgaduud where he is still detained.

NUSOJ is concerned about the arrest of the journalist without due process and asks Ahlusunna Waljama leaders to release the journalist unconditionally.
Press freedom is a critical issue in Somali regional states, where journalists are still harassed and jailed,” said Mohamed Ibrahim Moalimuu, NUSOJ Secretary General. "We call for the immediate and unconditional release of Abdullahi WarsameRoobleas there is no lawful reason for his detention,”Moalimuadded.

Ahlusunna Waljama administration in centralSomaliacontinuetoput pressure on Media Houses to sensor them. There is also constant intimidation which local journalists in central Somalia often complain about.

We finally ask the Administration of Ahlusunna Waljama in central Somalia to unconditionally release the arrested journalist in Dhuusamreeb and we call upon them to respect the media. Freedom of expression and freedom of opinion are among the most fundamental freedoms and rights in any democratic society

NUSOJ also expresses its concern over the long detention in Hargeisa Journalist Abdimalik MuseColdoon. He was arrested on 15 February upon returning toHargeisa, thecapitalof Somaliland.Coldoontravelledto Mogadishu to report from Somalia’s Presidential election but Somaliland authority accused him that he did beyond journalism and melted in the politics of a neighbor country.

JournalistColdoonis still detention center in Somaliland without trail and many attempts to release him failed.

NUSOJ also demands from Puntland leaders to lift the ban they imposed to Universal TV and it is workers in Puntland.

©2017 National Union of Somali Journalists (NUSOJ) | MakaAlmukaramaroad,Waberi,Mogadishu,Somalia