ISTANBUL (KAAB TV) – Turkish authorities have deported Mohamed Abdimajid Samatar, a Somali student enrolled at a university in Istanbul, without filing formal charges, according to sources familiar with the situation.
Samatar, who is the son of the Director General of the Ministry of Ports in Puntland, was reportedly arrested by Istanbul police three days ago. During his detention, he was held at a local police station for questioning. However, no official explanation has been provided regarding the reasons for his arrest or subsequent deportation.
Sources at Aden Adde International Airport in Mogadishu confirmed to Kaab TV that Mohamed was placed on a flight and is currently en route to Somalia.
His family expressed deep concern about the incident, stating that Mohamed had not committed any known offense and that no charges had been presented against him. They allege that his deportation may have been politically motivated, citing his affiliation with the Puntland regional administration.
The incident unfolds against a backdrop of rising diplomatic tension between Turkey and Puntland. Just days earlier, Puntland authorities intercepted a vessel flying the flag of the Comoros Islands, which was allegedly transporting illegal weapons from Turkey to Mogadishu. The ship is now being held at the port of Bosaso as investigations continue.
As of now, the Turkish government has made no public comment on either Mohamed Abdimajid Samatar’s detention and deportation or the intercepted arms shipment.
This development has raised concerns among Puntland officials and Somali civil society groups, who fear that political retaliation could be taking place under the guise of immigration enforcement.