Somali Journalist Arrested in Baidoa Over Report Alleging Robbery by Security Personnel
Jakataa's latest update indicates he has been held in custody since the summons.
Baidoa, Somalia (Horn Observer) — A local reporter was detained in Baidoa on Thursday after posting about an alleged robbery of women who sell khat by security personnel, an arrest that has alarmed press freedom advocates.
The journalist, identified as Abdirahman Jakataa and known to work with multiple outlets, shared the account on Facebook on May 25. Authorities summoned him to Criminal Investigation Department (CID) headquarters yesterday in connection with the report he published on Gacal Media detailing the alleged thefts by security forces. Following the post, security officers called Jakataa in for questioning.
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“After the horrific incident I reported today, I was called yesterday by the CID and the Baidoa police station. I am not sure what crime I am being charged with, but out of respect for the officer who called me and the rule of law, I am going there this morning to report any incidents I encounter.” Abdirahman Jakataa said on Facebook post, “If girls were raped in front of me and I could not speak to the media, I would have retired immediately. Otherwise, tomorrow an enemy will rape them in front of me and I will remain silent,”
Jakataa’s latest update indicates he has been held in custody since the summons.
While threats and intimidation of journalists are a recurring concern in Somalia, this case underscores renewed worries over the state of press freedoms as reporters face detention after exposing alleged abuses by security actors.
Somali Journalists Syndicate (SJS) Secretary General Abdalle Mumin publicly condemned the arrest and urged the Southwest administration to free the reporter.
“Instead of disciplining the rogue officers who raided and robbed the Khat sellers, the Southwest administration arrested the journalist for exposing the misconduct of the security officers,” Abdalle Mumin, SJS Secretary General said, “This is nothing but killing the truth, and we call upon the Southwest administration to release the journalist unconditionally.”
