GMG Statement on Unlawful Arrest and Detention of Journalists in Mogadishu

GOOBJOOG MEDIA GROUP|MOGADISHU: Goobjoog Media Group strongly condemns the unlawful arrest, intimidation, and threats directed at 11 journalists from various media organizations, four of whom are members of the Goobjoog newsroom. These journalists were detained while carrying out their professional duties in Mogadishu.

The journalists were apprehended on Makka Al-Mukarama Road while actively engaged in their journalistic work. The officers who arrested them forcibly took them to a private residence, where they were held for an extended period.

While in custody, the journalists were photographed and filmed and coerced into pledging that they would no longer be seen interviewing people or recording news in the streets and neighborhoods of Waaberi and Hodan districts.

This act is a blatant violation of freedom of expression, media independence, and the fundamental rights guaranteed by the Provisional Constitution of Somalia.

Such actions constitute ongoing intimidation and pressure against independent journalism, severely undermining the essential role the press plays in promoting democracy, accountability, and transparency in society.

Goobjoog Media Group firmly stands in defense of freedom of expression and the independence of the media. We once again emphasize that journalists are not criminals, but professionals fulfilling their constitutional and societal obligations.

This is not the first time journalists have been targeted in acts that contradict both the Somali Constitution and international conventions to which Somalia is party. The continued harassment of the press poses a serious threat to access to truthful information and the transparency of government institutions.

Goobjoog calls on security agencies, judicial authorities, and all media stakeholders to thoroughly investigate this incident and put an end to the ongoing targeting of Somali journalists.

A free press is the pillar of society.