Media Helping Media

The director of Somaliweyn Radio in Mogadishu, Abdirahman Mohamed Hassan "Hudeyfi", has won back his freedom after fourteen days in a dungeon at Villa Somalia.  The director arrived at the headquarters of his radio staion, his face engulfed in smiles, and was greeted by staff and senior colleagues.

Journalists at Somaliweyn Radio say that although he appeared to be "'glowing" after his realease, the effects of his two weeks in jail showed and he was visibly weary.

Those behind securing the release of the director include the top officials of Somaliweyn Radio, other members of the media, civil society groups, parliamentarians of the federal government and advocates of freedom of expression.

When Somaliweyn Radio aired the news of the release of Hudeyfi, many Somaliweyn fans gathered at the courtyard of the media organisation to express their support.

Reporter Bashir is still being held in custody, although efforts to release him have now intensified.

According to Reporters Without Borders, the release means that there are now two journalists currently held in Somalia. Apart from Bashir, Mohammed Shidane Daban is still being held after being arrested at Mogadishu’s Aden Adde international airport on 4 January as he was about to leave the country.