Somalia: MAP condemns threats of arrest by Nugal Police Commander

Press Statement by Media Association of Puntland (MAP)

GAROWE,Somalia 8. Dec, 2014 (Press Release)- Media Association of Puntland (MAP) strongly condemns the intimidation and threats of arrest unleashed on radio journalist, Ali Abdi Du’alle (Ali Fantastic) by Nugal regional Police Commander Col. Ahmed Abdullahi Samatar (Layli) on Sunday.

Du’alle, who works for Puntland-based independent station, Radio Garowe and Puntlandpost news site, was threatened by Col. Samatar while broadcasting daily news on the station’s FM in the capital, Garowe.

“I was at work when police commander along with security forces arrived at the station building, he informed me that police oppose publishing of a report on mini-van drivers’ protest on Puntlandpost,” said Ali. “In response to his complaints over the balance of the report, I told [Nugal regional police commander] that I have not taken sides but also reported on government’s reaction to the protest of drivers”.

“He didn’t listen to my remarks, he intimidated me, and threatened me with arrest saying I will be detaining you. I was forcibly hurdled into his car but he shortly ordered his bodyguards to disembark me from the car,” Du’alle added  

MAP sees the move as a serious violation to independence of Puntland media and freedom of speech: “It is unfortunate that police commander has intimidated a journalist, the move overshadows the right to freedom of speech and independent media operations in the region. I urge Puntland authority to exercise restraint and remain cautious against such steps in the near future,” said MAP Chairman, Faysal Khalif.

MAP is deeply concerned with the increasing threats and constant intimidation being perpetrated against media workers by local authorities as Du’ale marks the third latest journalist to be mistreated.

On August 7, security forces arrested Fadumo Yusuf Saed, a female journalist for covering seizure of Puntland state TV building by striking soldiers.

Golis, Puntland’s largest telecommunications company has blocked five websites-puntlandtoday.com puntlandnow.com, puntlander.com, galgalanews.com, and jidbaale.com from being read in Puntland following intense pressure from the government, a move that runs counter to regional constitution.

In light of the prevailing circumstances, the fraternity once again reiterates calls for respect to independence media, and calls on Puntland authority to set greater value on truly democratic state where journalists can operate with ease without fear.

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