MOGADISHU – The arrest of journalist Hafid Nor Barre, a reporter with Somali Cable TV, by the Somali Military constitutes an extrajudicial act and a blatant violation of the Provisional Constitution and the established legal framework of the country.
Forcibly removing a journalist from his home in the middle of the night demonstrates a profound disregard for press freedom and severely undermines the essential role that the media plays in serving the public interest.
“SRS views this act as an abduction disguised as a lawful arrest, carried out with the sole purpose of silencing the Somali media and intimidating those committed to speaking the truth,” said Hanad Ali Guled, Spokesperson for SRS.
Freedom of the press is a cornerstone of accountable governance and democratic progress. Any attempt to suppress it not only erodes public trust but also weakens the nation’s ongoing state-building efforts.
SRS strongly condemns this unlawful action and calls for the immediate release of journalist Hafid Nor Barre. Intimidation and repression must never replace the rule of law.
