IFJ Condemns Jailing of Editor in Somaliland

The International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) has today condemned the five month jail term handed to Mohamed Abdi Guled, editor of the private weekly magazine Yool, by a Hargeisa court for "spreading lies" and publishing a newspaper which is not legally registered.


"Journalists in Somaliland continue to face intolerable intimidation such as arbitrary imprisonment which undermines their ability to work freely," said Gabriel Baglo, Director of IFJ Africa Office. "We condemn this practice of suppressing independent reporting and proper scrutiny of figures of authority."

Mohamed Abdi Guled was arrested on 26 February following publication two days earlier of an article about extrajudicial executions in Somaliland, blaming some government officials for their role in these killings.

The judge convicted Mohamed Abdi Guled on the basis of the testimony from an anonymous witness who was not cross-examined by the defence as required by due process.

The Somali National Union of Journalists (NUSOJ), IFJ affiliate, has strongly condemned the decision which it described as a gross miscarriage of justice.

"This decision is part of an unacceptable harassment campaign aimed at silencing journalists," said Omar Faruk Osman Nur, NUSOJ General Secretary. "It is a gross miscarriage of justice against our colleague which should not stand."

IFJ urges the authorities of Somaliland to immediately release Mr. Guled and to ensure that the rights of journalists and press freedom are upheld in the country.

Source:africa.ifj.org