Sunday 25,May 2025 {HMC} Former Somali President Sharif Sheikh Ahmed has strongly denounced the arrest of eight journalists by security forces in Mogadishu on Saturday, calling the incident a serious violation of press freedom and an attack on Somalia’s democratic principles.
Speaking at a press conference in the capital, Sharif described the arrests as part of a broader campaign of repression targeting independent media and freedom of expression.
“Freedom of speech and the independence of the press are essential pillars for any government,” Sharif said. “It is never acceptable for journalists to be harassed, detained, or intimidated for political purposes.”
The former president, who now leads the Himilo Qaran political party, criticized the government for promoting one-person, one-vote elections while simultaneously violating basic rights enshrined in the constitution.
“It is contradictory for a government that claims to be preparing for democratic elections to engage in abuses that silence the voices of the people. These actions are against the constitution and the rule of law,” he added.
Sharif urged government officials to cease interference with the independent media and ensure the protection of journalists’ rights, warning that failure to do so would undermine public trust and democratic progress.
The journalists, including Abdinasir Abdikadir Saleh and Abdinasir Sayid Ali Socdaal of Shabelle TV, were arrested while collecting public opinion on opposition-led meetings, raising concerns about the shrinking space for political discourse in Somalia.
The arrests come amid growing tension between the government and opposition groups, with critics accusing the administration of using state security forces to intimidate dissenting voices.
Several press freedom organizations and civil society groups have echoed Sharif’s concerns, calling for the immediate release of the detained journalists and for authorities to uphold media freedoms guaranteed under Somali law.
Source Hiiraan
