NUSOJ welcomes the release of 16 journalists, as three still remain in Custody

The National Union of Somali Journalists (NUSOJ) welcomes the release of the 16 Shabelle and SKY staffers on Sunday 17 August, 2014 and urges the government to provide fair trail on the remaining three staffers.

The Somali government today released 16 Staffers, among them reporters, technicians and guards, who were arrested on Friday’s raid that led to the shutdown of Shabelle and SKY FM radio stations, after the government accused of incitement.

The three in detention are, Abdimalik Yusuf Mohamud – Owner of Shabelle and SKY FM, Mohamud Mohamed Dahir nicknamed Mohamud Arab, Director of SKY FM and (Carab) and Ahmed Abdi Hassan, Shabelle deputy head of news who are reportedly expected to appear in court. The charges against them have not been publicly released.

The National Union of Somali Journalists (NUSOJ) welcomes of the media workers and urges the federal government of Somalia to provide the detained media workers a platform where they can access justice and are able to defend themselves.

“We welcome the release of our colleagues and the government’s reaction to our call for the release.” Mohamed Ibrahim, NUSOJ Secretary General said, “We stand in solidarity with our colleagues in detention and will use all means to ensure they get justice.”