Somalia: Puntland prolongs pretrial detention for TV Journalist

GAROWE, Somalia, November 23, 2015(Garowe Online)-Somalia’s northeastern state of Puntland which has grown increasingly intolerant of political criticisms seems to be prolonging pretrial detention for prominent journalist, Garowe Online reports.

Jama Yusuf Jama, the host of ‘Deparani show’, a TV programme broadcast on UK-based Somali channel is being held in custody for fifth day.

Jama has not appeared in courthouse, and has yet to be officially charged with criminal offenses.

International Press Watchdogs, National Union of Somali Journalists (NUSOJ), and Media Association of Puntland (MAP) strongly condemned the arrest of Deperani show host, slamming the flawed legal basis of the detention.

On Friday, media workers having had their mouths covered with white masking tape, marched in solidarity with the jailed journalist.

The TV channel’s Somalia Director, Ahmed Mohamed Jama (Sufi) expressed his dismay at the worsening clampdown on media freedom in an interview with Puntland-based independent station, Radio Garowe

Sufi labeled Puntland crackdown ‘unfortunate’ after 17 years of statehood.

On Thursday, police forces put Jama behind bars for interviewing Somali Interior Minister on nation-wide consultations regarding models for electoral transition.

In mid-2014, Information ministry drew ire of journalists for a draconian media bill.

Puntland presidency blocked websites critical of government bar Garowe Online in a directive given to the largest telecom operator, Golis.

GAROWE ONLINE