MOGADISHU – Safe Reporters of Somalia (SRS) strongly condemns the unlawful arrest of Abdullahi Mohamed Saaweey, a cameraman with Himilo Media, who was detained today by security forces near the Daljirka Daahsoon in Mogadishu while carrying out his professional duties.
Mr. Saaweey was subsequently taken to the Xamarweyne District Police Station, where he is reportedly being questioned on matters unrelated to his journalistic work.
“It is unacceptable to detain a journalist for performing his professional responsibilities. The arrest of Mr. Saaweey further exacerbates the already fragile state of press freedom, which continues to face mounting pressure, intimidation, and suppression. The authorities must ensure the immediate release and protection of the detained journalist and urgently clarify the situation surrounding the missing journalist,” said SRS Spokesperson Hanad Ali Guled.
SRS reminds the authorities that abuse of power and violations of press freedom undermine public confidence in state institutions and damage the government’s credibility. Respect for media freedom and the rule of law is essential to safeguarding democratic principles and fundamental rights.
