Hargeisa court sentences journalist to one year in prison

GOOBJOOG NEWS/HARGEISA: The Maroodijeh Regional Court in Hargeisa has sentenced a journalist from Star TV to a one year prison term and a fine of one million Somaliland Shillings.

Ahmed Qani was arrested on February 23 for allegedly disseminating information challenging the Somaliland government.

The Somaliland Journalists Association (SOLJA) has condemned the arrest of one of their own, saying the move infringes on the freedom of the media and the right of the public to information.

“The Somaliland Journalists Association is deeply saddened by the sentencing of journalist Ahmed Qani, which undermines and discourages journalists from reporting and disseminating information to the public,” read the statement by SOLJA.

The Union of Journalists has called for the immediate release of the journalist, saying the arrests were not carried out in accordance to the law.