FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
The arbitrary arrest and detention of Dawan Media Director Alinur Salad followed by a preposterous court order is yet another effort by state authority to suppress media freedom and cover up corruption amidst difficult economic times in Somalia.
The Banadir Regional Court ruled on Tuesday that Salad be detained for 45 days to allow for ‘further investigations’ despite not disclosing the nature of charges against the celebrated journalist.
Independence House has learnt that the Attorney General has made obscure accusations against the journalist under the Somali panel code Articles (320)- instigation to delinquency, Art. 451, insult, Art. 452- defamations. Art. 402 obscene acts, Art. 403 Obscene publications and performances, and Others without clear evidences.
Initial reports indicate that Salad was arrested over his reporting of misappropriation of resources within the Somali National Army and the Department of Defence. Such allegations in the past have emerged leading to suspension of support by the U.S Government to the National Army.
Independence House is deeply troubled by this abusive use of state apparatus to trample on the rights of citizens and aid in covering up of government excesses, graft and suppression of press freedom.
Independence House Founder and Director Hassan Mohamud termed the arrest and detention of Salad as ‘outrageous’.
“The arrest of Alinur Salad wreaks of state excesses and an upfront to media freedom and right of the public to know. Further, the Court’s decision to grant the police a lengthy detention of any citizen is outrageous and unbridled abuse of the law. We urge the prosecution to make public the charges against Alinur and expedite his appearance in court or otherwise unconditionally release him.”
Independence House asserts that every citizen or resident in Somalia has the right under the law to due legal process including access to legal representation, communication with family/representatives and reasonable detention period.
While Somalia remains one of the most difficult places for journalists to operate owing to insecurity and oppressive legal regimes, local journalists have continually conducted themselves professionally by informing the public and holding government accountable.
Article 18 of the Provisional Constitution guarantees the right to ‘express, receive and impart opinion and information in any way.’
This Constitutional right must be jealously guarded and continually upheld to not only advance citizen rights but also hold accountable the management of our public resources and affairs.
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NOTE TO EDITORS: For more information, you contact our Media Freedom Director via Email: info@independencehouse.so
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