Somaliland journalist slapped with 2 year jail term for supporting Somali president

Somaliland journalist Oldon Abdimalik has been handed a two year jail term by a court in Hargeisa on charges of provocation and public incitement.

His lawyer Mohamed Abukar told Goobjoog News the court slapped Holdon with the jail term after finding him guilty of public incitement and provocation.

Abdimalik was arrested February 15 this year in Hargeisa after landing from Mogadishu where he had participated in public support of President Mohamed Farmaajo who was elected February 8.

His lawyer said he would be appealing the sentence which carries no option of a fine.

Somalliland prosecutors accused Abdimalik of publicly supporting the Somali president which it noted went against its endevours for independence.

Journalists and media watchdogs have called for Abdimalik’s release but authorities in Somaliland gave the pleas a blind ear proceeding to prosecute Abdimalik.