MOGADISHU, Somalia, April 5, 2024 – The Somali Journalists Syndicate (SJS) urgently demands the immediate and unconditional release of journalist Mohamud Abdirashid Abdi, who has been detained in the Luuq district of Gedo region since April 1, 2024.
Mohamud, a freelancer for the Nairobi-based humanitarian Radio Ergo, was arrested on April 1 following a social media post exposing the alleged injury of two local tuk-tuk drivers shot by local police over unpaid ‘fees’ demanded by the authorities.
According to Mohamud’s colleagues interviewed by SJS and voice messages reviewed by the syndicate, he faced severe threats after his Facebook post, which he later deleted. Upon his arrest on April 1 by local police in Luuq, he was handed over to Ethiopian forces in the town.
Radio Ergo also reported that the journalist was subsequently transferred to the custody of Ethiopian forces in the region.
Journalists in the area and the editor of Radio Ergo informed SJS that they are deeply concerned about Mohamud’s well-being, as his family has been denied access to him. Reports indicate that he has been subjected to beatings in the cells where he is held.
SJS strongly condemns the ongoing arbitrary detention of journalist Mohamud Abdirashid Abdi. The syndicate also shares the concerns of colleagues at Radio Ergo regarding his safety and welfare.
“We are appalled & extremely worried about the safety of journalist Mohamud Abdirashid Abdi, held in an undisclosed location in Luuq district of Somalia’s Gedo region. We urge the local Gedo regional administration, Luuq district officials, and Ethiopian forces in the region to immediately and unconditionally release the journalist and allow him to resume his journalistic duties without further threats,” said SJS Secretary-General Abdalle Mumin. “We also demand a thorough investigation into the officers who allegedly assaulted the journalist and hold them accountable.”