NUSOJ demands release of Goobjoog journalist

The National Union of Somali Journalists (NUSOJ) has called for immediate and unconditional release of Goobjoog Media Group journalist who was arrested Tuesday morning.

In a statement to newsrooms, the journalists’ union said the arrest of Ali Mumin constituted a breach of his right of expression and expressed concern over failure by the police to provide any details regarding charges against him.

“The National Union of Somali Journalists (NUSOJ) has today called for the immediate and unconditional release of a journalist Ali Aden Mumin arrested in Mogadishu after posting comments on his Facebook account,” the statement read in part.

NUSOJ secretary general Mohamed Ibrahim Moalimuu also called on the police to release the TV journalist since his social media posts did not constitute any criminality.

“We call for Mumin’s immediate release and Somalia authorities to drop charges levelled against him since posting on social media sites and expressing personal opinions on Facebook are not criminal activities” said Moalimuu.

According to information gathered by Goobjoog News, Mumin was supposedly arrested over his Facebook posts which alleged leakage of the ongoing exams. The police have not however made public its accusations against Mumin.

Goobjoog Media Group director said the media outlet had not received any information from the police despite seeking information at the CID headquarters.

“There were no allegations and charges in the letter we learned except that we were orally informed the journalist would face charges relating to posts he did in his Facebook,” said Mohamud.

NUSOJ said it would hire a lawyer to represent Mumin.