MOGADISHU, (HAN) — Former President Sharif Sheikh Ahmed on Sunday condemned the arrest of Himilo TV Director Ahmed Mohamed Aden and Deputy Director Khadar Abdirahman Ibrahim, calling for their immediate release and urging the government to respect press freedom.
The two journalists are being held at the Waabari District Police Station in Mogadishu. Details surrounding the arrests remain unclear, and the federal government has not released an official statement explaining the reason for detaining them.
In a statement posted on his Facebook page, Sharif expressed deep concern over what he described as a growing pattern of attacks on local media outlets. “I am deeply saddened by the constant attacks on local media outlets, which are documented every day in an attempt to silence Somali journalists operating in Mogadishu,” he said.
Sharif called on government leaders, including the head of state and security agencies, to uphold the country’s constitution, which guarantees freedom of the press and the safety of journalists. “The head of state and security agencies have a national responsibility, as our constitution guarantees free media and the safety of journalists,” he added.
Media rights groups and observers say Somalia has little to no genuine media freedom or freedom of expression. Independent journalists and media organizations often face intimidation, arbitrary arrests, harassment, and threats from both government authorities and armed groups. These pressures severely limit open reporting and critical coverage of political and social issues.
The arrests have drawn widespread condemnation from Somali politicians, civil society activists, and international press freedom organizations, many of whom view the move as part of a worrying trend of intimidation against independent media in the country.
Himilo TV is one of Somalia’s privately owned broadcasters and is known for its coverage of political developments and social issues. Media observers say that arrests of journalists in Somalia, particularly in Mogadishu, have become increasingly frequent in recent years, often sparking debates about government accountability and the need to protect press freedoms.
As of Sunday evening, there were no reports of formal charges against Aden and Ibrahim, and their legal representation has not been publicly confirmed.
