HARGEISA, (HAN) – The Somaliland Journalists Association (SOLJA) has strongly condemned the arrest of journalist Abdiasis Cawl by police in Burao, the capital of Somaliland’s Togdheer region, earlier today.
According to SOLJA, the arrest followed orders from the Togdheer regional administration and forms part of a growing pattern of violations against independent media in Somaliland. The journalist had previously received direct threats from the regional governor on Thursday night, who warned that Cawl would be detained—a warning that was carried out today.
SOLJA described the arrest as a serious attack on press freedom and the constitutional rights of journalists. The association emphasized that such actions:
- Undermine freedom of the press and violate the country’s constitution.
- Instill fear among journalists performing their professional duties.
- Damage Somaliland’s credibility and democratic reputation.
In response, SOLJA called on the Togdheer regional administration and security agencies to:
- Immediately release Abdiasis Cawl.
- Halt all unlawful acts targeting or intimidating journalists.
- Take clear measures to protect press freedom and the independence of media workers.
- End harassment, threats, and coercion against journalists.
SOLJA reiterated that journalists in Somaliland must be allowed to report news and provide accurate information to the public without fear, threats, or illegal detention. The association warned that continued repression of the media undermines both democratic governance and the public’s right to information.
