The Somali Police Force has arrested journalist Ali Nur Salad, one of the independent journalists, who once served as the Director of Information in the Office of the Prime Minister of Somalia, during the tenure of Prime Minister Hassan Ali Kheyre.
The police accused the reporter of committing criminal acts, lying, immorality, and insulting the armed forces, and the police showed the photo of the reporter as a prisoner.
Many people, including politicians, journalists and other sections of society, have strongly opposed the arrest of the journalist, and the behavior of the police, which is to spread pictures that kill the journalist’s reputation.
The former president of Somalia, Sharif Sheikh Ahmed is one of the people who strongly condemned the arrest of Ali Nur Salad.
Sharif described the arrest of Ali Nur Salad as a violation of human rights, showing how the administration of President Hassan Sheikh is determined to silence the independent media, and journalists, in order to hide the real reality in the country.
On the other hand, MP Abdirahman Abdishakur from the Federal Parliament of Somalia also condemned the arrest of Ali Nur Salad, and described it as a direct violation of constitutional rights and the principles of freedom of speech.
“I strongly condemn the arrest of journalist Ali Nur Salad, which is a direct violation of constitutional rights and principles of freedom of expression. Journalists have an important role in providing information, strengthening transparency, and holding those in office accountable. Any arrest or suppression of journalists is a clear disregard for important principles.” said MP Abdirahman Abdishakur.
MP Abdirahman Abdishakur called on the Somali government to respect and protect the rights of journalists, and to immediately release Ali Nur Salad.
It was recently when Ali Noor Salad said that the failure of the government forces against al-Shabaab is due to the use of Qaad, which he said is sold wherever the forces are stationed.
He said that instead of the need for the government to stop the Qaad, instead the government officials are bound by the contracts regarding the importation of the Qaad.
