MOGADISHU — Two journalists working for Shabeelle TV were arrested on Sunday in Mogadishu’s Hodan District, prompting condemnation from press freedom advocates who allege serious violations by security forces, including torture and the deletion of journalistic footage.
The journalists, Sakariye Ahmed Muse and cameraman Mowliid Osman Bootaan, were detained while carrying out their professional duties. According to Safe Reporters of Somalia (SRS), Mr. Bootaan was subjected to physical abuse during his detention, and security personnel deliberately erased video footage from his camera.
SRS described the actions as unlawful and warned that they reflect a broader pattern of intimidation against independent media organizations operating in the capital.
“The arrest and mistreatment of journalists for performing their duties is illegal and unacceptable,” said SRS Spokesperson Hanad Ali Guled. “The government has a responsibility to ensure the safety of journalists and to hold accountable any security personnel who violate their rights.”
SRS has called for an immediate and independent investigation into the incident, including the alleged torture and destruction of journalistic material, and urged authorities to bring those responsible to justice.
