Media Helping Media

Somaliweyn reporter freed

Published on Wednesday, 13 February 2008

Written by Samme Bogad

  

On 13 January, armed soldiers from the national security service department stormed the Somaliweyn radio station in Mogadishu.

The soldiers threatened the journalists inside the premises and arrested the director of the radio station, Abdirahman Mohamed Hassan "Hudeyfi" and one of his reporters, Mohamed Abdikadir Al-Bashir.

The director was released 15 days after his arrest. A few days ago, Hudeyfi called for the release of his reporter Al-Bashir at a news conference held at the radio headquarters.

Since then government officials have authorised the release of Al-Bashir on bail after 30 days in prison. So far there are no clear allegations surrounding the arrest of the Somaliweyn reporter.

Al- Bashir was later warmly welcomed back at the offices of Somaliweyn Radio by his colleagues who exchanged embraces and kisses. Al-Bashir seemed tired, but was strong enough to face the media.

Al- Bashir was fasting when he was released from the underground jail in the Somali national parliament, "it is my first day to see the lovely sun after 30 days in prison," he said.

The Somaliweyn reporter said he had gained strength from his experience in prison and that nothing could stop him carrying out his work as a journalist. He urged others not to submit to intimidation.

  

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