FESOJ condemns arrest of Goobjoog Editor on ‘trumped-up charges’

The Federation of Somali Journalists (FESOJ) has called for the immediate release of Goobjoog Media Group journalist Abdiaziz Gurbiye adding the journalist was arrested on trumped-up charges.

Terming Gurbiye’s arrest ‘unlawful’ FESOJ said the charges against the journalist were based on outdated laws noting such alleged offenses are of civil nature.

“We believe the use of criminal defamation charges against journalists and other critics will violate their right to freedom of expression and media freedom,” FESOJ Secretary-General Mohamed Moalimuu said in a statement.

Gurbiye was transferred Wednesday to the Central Prison in Mogadishu. Police charged him with four counts; offending the honour of the President, Offense against authorities through the publication of damaging information and Publication of and dissemination of false, exaggerated or misleading information likely to disturb public order.

FESOJ wondered why the journalist was being sent to a prison when the President had pardoned and ordered release of prisoners in light of COVID-19 response.

“As part of critical measure to curb the possible spread of Coronavirus, Somalia President Mohamed Abdullahi Farmajo pardons 148 inmates, so we are so shocked to learn now at this time of the danger of COVID-19 that a journalist is jailed over Facebook posts “ FESOJ Abadir Abdulkadir Elmi said.