MOGADISHU (Kaab TV) – The Somali Journalists Syndicate (SJS) has expressed deep concern over the recent arrests of two journalists in Mogadishu and Qardho, Puntland, saying the detentions are part of a growing pattern of intimidation against independent media reporting on issues of public interest.
In a statement issued on June 30, 2026, SJS said both journalists were detained solely because of their professional work after reporting on security-related matters and a complaint made by a police officer. The organization warned that the arrests reflect an escalating crackdown on press freedom and independent journalism in Somalia.
One of the journalists, Mohamed Ali Mahmoud, widely known as Qadaaye, works for Iftiimiye TV in Mogadishu. According to SJS, he was arrested on June 26 by four armed Somali police officers near his home in Mogadishu’s Karaan district and taken to the Karaan Police Station.
SJS said Qadaaye’s arrest followed the broadcast of a report featuring a Somali police officer who alleged that his salary had been unfairly suspended by a senior commander.
In the interview, the officer said he had been forced to work as a construction laborer to provide for his wife and two daughters after losing his income. He also stated that he belongs to Somalia’s minority Bantu community.
The journalists’ rights group said the officer later claimed that he and his daughters were detained following the interview. His wife also spoke to Iftiimiye TV, describing the family’s ordeal before they were later released.
Qadaaye told SJS that he was physically assaulted during his arrest and again while in police custody. He said his family, including his mother and relatives, witnessed his condition when they visited him at the police station the following day.
SJS called on Somali authorities to immediately end what it described as the harassment of journalists, stressing that reporters should not face arrest or abuse for covering matters of public interest. The organization urged the government to respect media freedom and uphold constitutional protections guaranteeing freedom of expression and press independence.
The arrests come amid growing concerns among local and international media rights organizations over increasing pressure on journalists in Somalia, particularly those reporting on security institutions, governance, corruption, and other sensitive public affairs.