The award was announced on Tuesday night at a ceremony held in New York, USA, celebrating individuals and organizations demonstrating exceptional leadership, courage, and commitment to transparency, human rights, and the fight against corruption.

The award event was opened with a keynote speech by Sarah Chayes — an award-winning journalist, author, and former advisor to the U.S. Joint Chiefs of Staff — renowned for her expertise on corruption. In her address, she emphasized the importance of supporting anti-corruption efforts worldwide.

The Allard Prize for International Integrity is one of the world’s most significant honours dedicated to combating corruption and promoting human rights. Established in 2012 by Canadian human rights lawyer Peter A. Allard, the award continues to uplift and spotlight those who risk their lives in the fight against corruption and the pursuit of justice.

SJS President Mohamed Ibrahim stated:

“The entire Somali Journalists Syndicate team and the broader human rights movement in Somalia proudly congratulate our Secretary General, Abdalle Ahmed Mumin, for this well-deserved international recognition. Abdalle is not only a journalist who has repeatedly risked his life to speak the truth and hold the corrupt powerful accountable, but he is also a leader who has shown unwavering commitment to press freedom and human rights in Somalia. He truly deserves this award.”

This becomes Abdalle’s second major international recognition. In 2013, he was honoured for his outstanding human rights photojournalism work in Somalia. The 2025 Allard Prize is a testament to his continued courage and leadership.

Mr. Ibrahim further added:

“This recognition inspires all of us at SJS. It demonstrates that, despite the grave challenges Abdalle and our organization have faced — from harassment and arrests to threats and exile — we are not alone. The global community sees and values our work. That gives us the strength to go the extra mile.”

“For us at SJS, and for journalists across Somalia and around the world who are working under threats, intimidation, and censorship, this award is more than a recognition — it is a powerful message. It affirms that journalism matters. It reinforces our belief that fighting corruption, exposing abuse of power, and standing for human rights is not in vain. It gives visibility, hope, and encouragement to every reporter who dares to ask hard questions.”

Abdullahi Hassan of Amnesty International stated that “Abdalle Mumin and the Somali Journalists Syndicate (SJS) have done extraordinary work in defending press freedom and advancing human rights in Somalia. Abdalle, in particular, has been severely persecuted for this.”

Muthoki Mumo of the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ), in a video interview, also emphasized the importance of press freedom and the safety of journalists. She described the work of Abdalle and SJS as that of “an active press freedom advocate.” Muthoki also noted that CPJ has documented the killing of over 80 journalists in Somalia since 1992 — a stark reminder of the grave risks journalists continue to face.

In his acceptance speech, delivered via video link, Abdalle Mumin said:

“For over twenty years, I have put my life on the line for one belief: that journalism can expose corruption, demand accountability, and protect the rights of the voiceless. In Somalia, that belief isn’t just tested — it’s life-threatening. Tonight, I am deeply humbled to receive the Allard Prize award. It is not only a recognition of my work with the Somali Journalists Syndicate, but of the power of journalism to challenge kleptocracy, injustice, and fear.”

SJS extends its sincere thanks to the Allard Prize team, the organisers, staff, and Prize Committee for their tireless work in supporting integrity, transparency, and the protection of human rights defenders across the world.

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Mahad Salad was initially appointed as NISA chief on 26 May 2022 but was dismissed on 4 April 2024 following numerous allegations of targeted attacks on media institutions, civil society groups, and minority communities, as reported by the media. Sadly no investigation was made into his crimes. He was reappointed on 1 June 2025 and officially assumed office Saturday 14 June.

Targeted Crackdown on SJS and Independent Media

On 10 October 2022, NISA agents raided the offices of the Somali Journalists Syndicate (SJS) in Mogadishu after staff had completed their workday. CCTV footage obtained by SJS shows the operation was led by a former Al-Shabaab defector employed by NISA.

On 11 October 2022, SJS Secretary-General Abdalle Ahmed Mumin was abducted at Mogadishu Aden Adde International Airport and held incommunicado for 11 days in an underground cell. During his detention, he survived torture and an assassination attempt. On 13 April 2024, Banadir Court froze SJS bank accounts, using leaked private information supplied by Premier Bank, a bank tied to the Somali government. Further,  NISA officers interrupted SJS women journalists’ training in Mogadishu in January 2024.

On 23 February 2023, Mumin was re-arrested by NISA and police officers under orders from Mahad Salad and in coordination with Deputy Minister of Information Abdirahman Yusuf Al-Adala. He endured 33 days of torture and mistreatment in secret facilities until he was released in late March 2023 and forced to leave the country.

Under Salad’s direction, journalists in Mogadishu and beyond were subjected to surveillance, arbitrary arrests, violence, and threats. SJS has documented the following incidents:

• 30 November 2022: Journalists at the People’s House (Federal Parliament) were threatened with death or imprisonment for questioning lawmakers about the Villa Rays hotel attack.
• 18 December 2022: UK-based Channel 4 correspondent Jamal Muhumed Osman, a Somali-British, was unlawfully detained and sent back by NISA agents while he was arriving for journalism assignment.
• 19 December 2022: NISA officers assaulted Arlaadi Media reporter Mohamed Nur Mohamed inside the Parliament premises.
• 24 December 2022: SJS legal officer Abdirahman Hassan Omar and staff members were unlawfully detained at Mogadishu airport by NISA agents under Mahad Salad en route to a journalist training in Hiiraan.
• 24 December 2022: Arlaadi Media editor Aweys Bashir Abdirahman was beaten near KM4 by suspected NISA agents.
• 10 February 2023: SJS legal adviser Abdirahman Hassan Omar was attacked by four armed men in a targeted assault. The attack occured in Bakaro market area controlled by NISA.
• 20 February 2023: Radio Kulmiye journalists Ali Elmi Salad and Sakariye Mohamed Salad were arrested and interrogated by NISA.
• 7 April 2023: NISA officer in-charge of the Mogadishu airport, Mahad Arab Dhiblawe issued public threats against SJS Secretary General Abdalle Mumin and journalists from Risaala Media following an interview Mr. Mumin gave to the radio in relation to his arrest and kidnapping by NISA in Mogadishu. Days later, the journalist said he was forced to remove an interview with Abdalle Mumin following online attacks from the Somali Ministry of Information.
• In August 2023, SJS’s website and email systems were put offline by a wave DDoS (Distributed Denial of Service) attacks traced to IP addresses rented by criminal groups believed to be linked to NISA. The non-profit group Qurium which investigated the attacks and made its analysis indicated that it thwarted “nearly 20,000 IP addresses coming to SJS website with millions of requests” on August 18 and 19. The attack began on the heels of the kidnapping of SJS Secretary of Information and Human Rights, Mohamed Ibrahim Bulbul by NISA in Mogadishu.
• On 17 August 2023, SJS Secretary of Information and Human Rights, Mohamed Ibrahim Bulbul, was kidnapped by NISA and police agents and held for 56 days after exposing police corruption.

Expansion of Abuses Beyond Media: Extortion and Extrajudicial Killings

Journalists and editors have reported to SJS how insiders working as informants within media houses monitored and threatened journalists critical of NISA. This has forced many Somali journalists into self-censorship or exile to avoid persecution.

Between May 2022 and April 2024, a new tactic emerged involving the use of bribes and social media trolls to discredit, harass, and threaten journalists and civil society actors. These troll networks—funded through covert channels by NISA—have systematically targeted government critics, often smearing their reputations or inciting violence against them online.

In some cases, journalists were also threatened by Al-Shabaab operatives after reporting critically on NISA leadership, illustrating the dangerous double-bind facing independent media in Somalia—caught between state repression and extremist threats.

In February 2024, journalists reporting on the murder of UK-trained Somali air traffic controller Abdinasir Muse Dahable—who was found murdered after being tortured—were threatened by NISA officers linked to Mahad Salad. The killing was linked to NISA officers under Salad’s command, one of whom fled to Nairobi. Five men who were also arrested by NISA following the Dahable’s death were reported to have endured torture under NISA.

No independent investigation has been carried out to date; however, local journalists told SJS they were threatened with “death or disappearance” if they spoke about the case.

On 18 March 2024, a Turkish drone strike in Afgoye based on faulty NISA intel killed 23 civilians. Amnesty International investigation found that civilians killed in the strikes included 14 children, five women and four men. Another 17 civilians were injured in the strikes: 11 children, two women and four men. All are from the marginalized Gorgaarte clan. Families seeking justice were threatened by NISA and accused of terrorist affiliations. Mahad Salad aides also threatened reporters on the ground who were investigating the incident.

SJS reiterates that holding Mahad Mohamed Salad accountable would be a critical step toward ending the entrenched culture of impunity—not only for attacks on journalists, but also for the widespread abuses inflicted on Somalia’s most vulnerable communities during his tenure—thereby contributing to lasting peace, stability, and the restoration of the rule of law in the country.

“Instead of holding him accountable, the Somali government has rewarded Mahad Mohamed Salad with his crimes, greenlighting more abuses against journalists and marginalized communities,” said SJS President Mohamed Ibrahim. “We urge the Somali government to immediately review this decision, remove Salad, and prosecute him. His victims deserve justice and protection. He should not be allowed to rule with terror again.”

“We also call on the international community, including press freedom and human rights organizations, to speak out and support accountability efforts—those who suffered under his leadership are still waiting for justice,” Mr. Ibrahim added.

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These actions constitute a blatant assault on press freedom and the public’s right to access and disseminate information. SJS calls on Somali authorities to immediately end these repressive measures and uphold the constitutional rights of journalists.

On Thursday, 22 May, Somali police in Mogadishu briefly arrested three journalists: Abdullahi Yusuf Hassan (reporter for RNN TV), Mohamed Hassan Geedi (cameraman for RNN TV), and Yahye Mohamud Hersi (cameraman for Himilo Somali TV). Two of the journalists told SJS that after their arrest, they were handed over to officers from the National Intelligence and Security Agency (NISA), who then transferred them to the Hodan District Administration office, where they were detained.

Anisa Abdiaziz Hussein, a reporter for Himilo Somali TV who was with the arrested journalists, told SJS she fled on foot after witnessing armed men attacking the journalists. The journalists had been covering a protest by local women meat sellers at the Zoobe Junction in Mogadishu, who were demonstrating against the demolition of their makeshift stalls.

According to the journalists, NISA officers confiscated their equipment and deleted the footage they had recorded. An editor at Himilo Somali TV told SJS they later received a threatening phone call from a NISA officer warning them not to broadcast anything related to the women’s protest or the demolitions. All three journalists said they were released later that afternoon under the condition that they do not publish any content about the protest or the demolitions—an agreement they were forced to accept in order to secure their release.

On Friday night, 23 May, police officers from Galmudug State in South Galkayo arrested online reporter Ali Maalin Nuur after he published a news report on his Facebook page about truck drivers and their vehicles being held at a roadblock outside Galkayo city, Mudug region. In the now-deleted video clip, the journalist reported that armed men at the roadblock—identified as members of the Galmudug security forces—had been demanding additional payments from the truck drivers, causing the trucks to be stranded for several days. Armed police officers raided the journalist’s house on Friday night and arrested him.

Ali Maalin Nuur told SJS that his arrest was ordered by the Governor of Mudug in Galmudug, Abdinasir Abdukadir Abdulle. He told SJS that he was detained overnight at the South Galkayo police station, and his name was not recorded in the occurrence book (OB). He was released on Saturday afternoon after being forced by the officers to delete the video from his Facebook page, which he did. Ali told SJS that he was not taken to court and believed he would not have received justice, as the police had threatened to keep him in custody if he refused to delete the report.  A senior official from the Galmudug State Ministry of Information told SJS that although the journalist had been released, they were following up with the governor who ordered the arrest, which the official described as illegal.

On Saturday, 24 May, agents of Somalia’s National Intelligence and Security Agency (NISA) briefly detained four journalists in Mogadishu: Abdinasir Abduqadir Salah and Abdinasir Sayid Ali from Shabelle TV, and Abdirahman Abdulle Rooble and Hassan Ahmed Takow from SYL TV.  The journalists were collecting vox-pop interviews from the public on Maka Al-Mukarama Street, asking for opinions on the coalition of opposition politicians who had held an event in Mogadishu the previous day, Friday. They were taken to an open area near the Waberi Police Station, where they were interrogated, threatened, and ordered to delete their footage. Two of the journalists told SJS they were threatened with violence if they continued reporting critically on President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud.

All four journalists were released without being officially booked or charged at the police station.

On Friday, 23 May, political opposition groups led by former President Sharif Sheikh Ahmed, former Prime Ministers Hassan Ali Khaire and Omar Abdirashid Ali Sharmarke, MP Abdirahman Abdishakur Warsame, and other members of parliament gathered at a mosque and religious site in Mogadishu. During the gathering, they delivered a public speech—widely broadcast by the media—condemning President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud’s autocratic actions in relation to the 2026 election. They called on the president to return to constitutional order.

On Saturday, 24 May, NISA agents in Mogadishu briefly arrested seven journalists while they were collecting public opinion on the country’s political situation. Two of the journalists, Ismail Yabarow Hassan and Mohamed Adan Hassan, were working for Somali Cable TV.  Four others—Ja’far Abdirisak Mohamed, Shukri Hashi, Ayanle Abdinur, and Sundus Ali Botan—were working for Goobjoog Media, while the seventh journalist, Abdirahman Ahmed Hassan, is a cameraman for Five Somali TV.

The journalists had been gathering public views on the political developments in Mogadishu and the recent statement by opposition politicians concerning the 2026 election. Somali Cable TV reported that their journalists were stopped by NISA officers and told they were “not allowed to conduct public opinion on the streets.”  All seven journalists had their equipment confiscated and their recorded material deleted. They were also warned not to conduct further interviews with the public. As a result, the journalists returned to their respective media outlets without completing their assignments.

On Saturday, 24 May, Anisa Ahmed Mohamed and Masud Abdirahman Yusuf, both working for Dalbile online TV, were conducting interviews when plain-clothed, armed NISA officers interrupted and chased them away from Maka Al-Mukarama Street. After the journalists left the area, the officers followed them to another location and again disrupted an interview they were conducting with members of the public. The journalists had been asking people for their views on the current political tension, following a recent statement by opposition groups condemning President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud’s actions in relation to the 2026 election.

Local media reported an increased presence of plain-clothed NISA agents armed with pistols along Maka Al-Mukarama Road, a popular area where journalists often gather public opinion. Journalists have reported their independent reporting has been effectively banned in areas surrounding Maka Al-Mukarama, including KM4. Media also reported the arrest of a prominent tuk-tuk driver and activist, Sayid Ali—commonly known as Saan Miyaa—who had spoken out against the growing suppression of the public by NISA agents.

“In the past 48 hours, we have witnessed a new wave of attacks against journalists in Mogadishu, carried out by members of NISA and the police. The arrest of 14 journalists—13 in Mogadishu and one in Galkayo—along with equipment seizure, deletion of content by the threat of violence and intimidation, marks an alarming escalation of repression that undermines press freedom and the very foundation of democracy in Somalia,” said SJS Secretary General, Abdalle Mumin.

“These attacks on media workers are unacceptable and must be condemned in the strongest terms. As we have said, these violations will not end until the perpetrators are held accountable,” added Mr. Mumin. “All journalists and media organizations need to stand united in defense of our rights and freedoms. We need action now. Let us also remind those behind these attacks that they will not get away with it; if not today, then certainly not tomorrow.”

(Source: SJS)

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SJS is deeply honored that our Secretary General, Abdalle Ahmed Mumin, has been named among this year’s distinguished 2025 finalists. [Read finalists here]

Beyond his role at SJS, Abdalle Ahmed Mumin has relentlessly dedicated his life to defending press freedom, promoting transparency, and standing up for human rights in Somalia—often at grave personal risk. He has faced imprisonment, torture, threats, and endless persecution simply for speaking truth to power.

“Abdalle Mumin was imprisoned because of his unwavering commitment to defending human rights and press freedom in Somalia. His selection as one of this year’s finalists for the Allard Prize is more than a personal achievement—it is a powerful symbol of hope for the thousands of Somali journalists and human rights defenders who continue to endure threats, harassment, and oppression,” said Mohamed Ibrahim, President of the Somali Journalists Syndicate (SJS). “Abdalle’s courage fuels a new generation of truth-tellers and justice seekers. His recognition not only honors his sacrifice but also reinforces SJS’s commitment to our critical mission—pursuing press freedom, defending journalists, and promoting human rights with even greater determination and resilience.”

His selection as one of this year’s finalists for the Allard Prize is more than a personal achievement—it is a powerful symbol of hope for the thousands of Somali journalists and human rights defenders who continue to endure threats, harassment, and oppression,” – Mohamed Ibrahim, SJS President.

“Let us be absolutely clear: If Abdalle Mumin wins this award, it will be a resounding recognition of his bravery, unwavering dedication, and personal sacrifice in defense of human rights, government accountability, and media freedom. It will undoubtedly inspire thousands of journalists and human rights defenders across Somalia and beyond,” adds Mr. Ibrahim. “Moreover, it will send an unmistakable message to those who seek to silence truth and oppress freedom—that the world is watching, and it stands firmly with those who dare to speak out.”

The entire SJS network of journalists and community of defenders stand proudly beside our Secretary General, Abdalle Mumin, and reaffirms our unwavering commitment to advancing press freedom, protecting journalists, and promoting human rights.  We also extend our heartfelt congratulations and best wishes to Abdalle on this remarkable recognition.

The Allard Prize, named after Peter A. Allard, a Canadian lawyer and renowned human rights champion, recognizes individuals who demonstrate exceptional leadership and courage in combating corruption and defending human rights.

The Allard Prize Award Ceremony will be held on June 17, 2025, at Tribeca Rooftop in New York City, U.S, where the winner will receive a $100,000 CAD prize.

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Mr. Mumin, also an award-winning journalist, was initially targeted on 11 October 2022 when he was detained, without a warrant, from Mogadishu Airport while preparing to board a flight to Nairobi. It was a day after the local media organizations jointly issued a press release expressing concern about a new directive to ban and censor independent media coverage. On the same day armed officers of the national intelligence (NISA) raided the SJS office.

After disappearing for two days, Mumin was later found at the Godka Jila’ow, a notorious national intelligence-run detention and torture facility in Mogadishu where he was held for three days in a small underground cell before being transferred to police custody. He was later freed on bail only to be re-detained again on 18 October 2022, but the appeals court granted a second bail that unlawfully restricted his movement and his right to freedom of speech.

Since January, Mr. Mumin had four court hearings at the Banadir Regional Court following his refusal to accept two unlawful conditions: that Mumin quits media activism and to issue a full apology by retracting the joint press release of the press freedom organizations. Those conditions were proposed by the Deputy Minister of the Ministry of Information, Abdirahman Al Adalah. Despite the constant and invisible threats against his life, Mr. Mumin and his lawyers went to the court to defend against all the charges and with bravery exposed the human rights abuses committed by certain government officials.

On 13 February 2023, the Banadir Regional Court chairman, Salah Ali Mohamud, who previously threatened Mr. Mumin, through a sham trial, issued a wrong sentence of two months imprisonment, however the central prison commander refused to arrest Mr. Mumin and freed him on the same day. On 23 February 2023, police and NISA officers led by the Banadir regional police chief, Mo’alim Mahdi and his associates Mr. Faratol, Said Baryare and Nuradin Mohamed Hussein detained Mr. Mumin at the Jazeera Hotel while participating in a meeting of the Federal Parliament’s Upper House. He was initially held at a private house in Mogadishu’s Bondhere district for two days before being transferred to the central prison where he was kept for 33 days.

Mr. Mumin has been subjected to various abuses and has his health deteriorated. He has also witnessed firsthand of human rights violations by the police and the national intelligence, including women and men detainees who have been subjected to sexual abuse, use of severe torture in interrogation of detainees, demands of bribes. Majority of the detainees Mr. Mumin met and interviewed were from minority communities.

Following his release, Mr. Mumin was again barred from travelling on 27 March 2023 by the Mogadishu airport immigration officials who said they were receiving orders from the director of NISA, Mr. Mahad Salad. Due to the mounting pressure, Mr. Mumin, was however allowed to fly out and meet his doctor and family the next day in Nairobi.

“I am extremely glad that I was able to travel out, see my family and my doctor. I have been feeling unwell. Thanks to my doctors, they were able to treat me and release me after several days in the hospital. I thank God that my health condition has improved now,” SJS Secretary-General Abdalle Mumin said.

“The past six months have tested us and it has been very challenging to us as the SJS team, the journalists community in Somalia, and the entire press freedom and human rights defenders. But we all have stood firm. I appreciate our friends, colleagues and supporters from international partners for their unrelenting solidarity and steadfastness. We all believe in what is just and right: and that is the respect for human rights. Our cause is morally right and our thirst for human rights and justice is insatiable,” Mr. Mumin added. “I can assure you that the time I spent in the various detention facilities has reinforced my beliefs and quest for justice and fairness and I remain more than ever before committed to stand alongside the marginalised community and my people in the face of adversity.”

SJS is grateful to the international partners, human rights groups, local and international media, members of the Federal Parliament of Somalia and the Somali community for standing with us in our quest for press freedom and respect of human rights.

“It’s important to make it clear that the threats, intimidation and abuse of power by individuals in the government system are committing major violations against human rights including attacks of journalists. The attack on Abdalle Mumin is not the end but it’s part of an ongoing violence and repression. We call for the immediate accountability of these individuals,” SJS President Mohamed Ibrahim said “Accountability through the local legal system or through other international mechanisms will lead to an end of the culture of impunity and violence, and will prevent the recurrence of further violations. This will eventually contribute to achieving peace and democracy in Somalia.”

Somalia’s international partners, human rights groups and all the local and international community members can play a role in protecting the human rights of Somali citizens, including protecting the rights of minority groups including journalists, women and girls. It is not only a moral obligation, but it is a legal obligation.

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Today’s court session was the last of a series of hearings starting from January 4, 2023 to February 6, 2023.   The politically-motivated case was brought by the deputy minister of information, Abdirahman Yusuf Al-Adaala through the office of the attorney general.  Abdalle was arbitrarily detained on October 11, 2022 a day after the SJS office was raided following a joint press freedom groups’ statement that raised concern on Al-Adaala’s order intended to restrict and silence media freedom in Somalia.

Abdalle is facing state persecution for his principled stance against censorship. While in detention, Abdalle had experienced human rights violation.

On 4^th January, 2023 Abdalle was charged with three articles of the Somali penal code – Article 219 (Bringing the Nation or the State into contempt), Article 321 (Instigation to disobey the laws), and Article 505 (non-observance of orders of the authorities).   Our defense lawyers, however, defended Abdalle from all the three charges and even proved that journalism is not a crime under the country’s constitution.

The judge Salah Ali Mohamud used Article 505 of the penal code for today’s verdict.

After delivering the sentence, the judge ordered Abdalle to be handcuffed but the police officers turned down his order. When Abdalle was taken to the Mogadishu Central Prison, the officers there reviewed the verdict letter and found that Abdalle has served more than four months of detention resulting his immediate freedom.  Abdalle was then allowed to go free.

“We are disappointed by the court’s decision which clearly proves how the whole case was politically-motivated. We stand with Abdalle Mumin and we reiterate that journalism should not become a crime in Somalia. Today’s Banadir Regional Court verdict is simply unacceptable and utterly shocking.” Mohamed Osman Makaraan, Secretary General of Somali Media Association (SOMA) said, “We are extremely glad that Abdalle is free and that he is now able to continue his advocacy for media freedom in Somalia and beyond and will continue to carry out his journalism as a human rights journalist.”

“As the Somali media fraternity commemorates World Radio Day, today’s court sentence not only sends a chilling message to the entire media fraternity but also instills fear among media professionals and press freedom advocacy groups.” SJS President Mohamed Ibrahim said, “it’s a pure travesty of justice following the conviction and ruling against our secretary-general Abdalle Mumin and our lawyers are appealing this unjust decision,”

SJS and SOMA are thankful to all the supporters and partners in press freedom as we also express our gratitude to the members of Somali parliament, human rights groups and the general public for their utmost solidarity during this case.

The post In a sham trial, Banadir Regional Court sentences SJS Secretary-General Abdalle Mumin to two months in jail appeared first on Kaab TV.

Abdalle was arbitrarily detained on 11 October 2022 a day after members of the Somali national intelligence raided SJS office in Mogadishu which followed after four media associations issued a joint press conference raising concerns against unlawful and restrictive order issued by the deputy minister of information Abdirahman Yusuf al-Adaala. Since 4 January 2023, the Banadir Regional Court made three hearings related to three charges brought by the office of the attorney general. All of the three charges are derived from the outdated Somali penal code.

The fourth hearing which was due on 26 January 2023 was postponed by the court citing security reasons. However, the day collided with the eight anniversary of the day Abdalle had survived an assassination attempt in 2015.

“Monday February 6, 2023 will be a historic day as the state of Somalia’s press freedom and freedom of expression will be at stake. SJS Secretary-General Abdalle Mumin is the leading voice of Somali journalists and the freedom of the press. We call for the Banadir Regional Court to dismiss the case against Abdalle,” Mohamed Ibrahim, president of Somali Journalists Syndicate (SJS) said, “We also emphasise the joint statement in December 2022 by the seven international human rights and press freedom organisation calling on Somali Attorney General Sulayman Mohamed Mohamoud to drop all the charges against Abdalle, noting that Abdalle had suffered violations to his right to a fair trial and that his continued prosecution casts a chilling effect on media freedom and journalism in the country.”

“We remind the office of the attorney general that the penal code which they are using to persecute our Secretary-General clearly contravenes the Somali Federal Constitution and international human rights laws including the Universal Declaration of Human Rights,” Mr. Ibrahim added.

In August 2022, Somali government recognised that the outdated penal violates the human rights including the right to freedom of expression and subsequently announced that it can not be used for journalists.

The post SJS: Banadir Regional Court should dismiss the press freedom case against Abdalle Mumin appeared first on Kaab TV.

MOGADISHU (Kaab TV) A court in Somalia’s capital, Mogadishu, has postponed the hearing of the press freedom case in which the secretary-general of the Somali Journalists Syndicate (SJS) Abdalle Mumin is a defendant, the court said in a short message on Wednesday.

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The African Freedom of Expression Exchange (AFEX) strongly condemns the prolonged detention and harassment of Somali media rights advocate, Abdalle Ahmed Mumin, and calls on the Somali authorities to drop all charges against him.

More than 90 days have passed since the judicial harassment and persecution of the co-founder and secretary general of the Somali Journalists Syndicate (SJS) began. In the latest development, the second hearing of the case, which seriously affronts press freedom and the safety of the journalists in Somalia, concluded after the Banadir Regional court adjourned the case to January 19, 2023.

During the second hearing held on January 15, 2023, Mumin protested the flagrant abuse of his rights by asking a series of questions, including, why he was detained without a court warrant and why he was held at the Godka Jila’ow underground prison, which the Somali government said had been closed.

“Why are you detaining me without a court warrant? Why Godka Jila’ow despite previous claim of closing the notorious underground prison? Why are you holding me at the CID while the police did not arrest me? Why were all the three charges trumped up 45 days after my detention? Why only me out of five other media organisations? Why is this case being delayed for 4 months now without no genuine reason?” he questioned the court.

Mumin’s case has dragged on from October 11, 2022 when he was arrested at the Aden Adde International Airport in the capital Mogadishu by officers of the National Intelligence and Security Agency (NISA), as he was preparing to board a flight to Nairobi. He was arrested shortly after he published on his Twitter account some CCTV footage, reportedly from the premises of the SJS’ office in Mogadishu the previous night, showing security forces trying to break into the office.

An official statement issued by the Ministry of Information, Culture and Tourism on October 12, 2022, stated that Mumin was being held on security-related charges.

“In contact with the National Prosecution Office, the ministry was informed that Abdalla Mumin is in the hands of the Somali Police Force and is being held on security-related charges. The Ministry, therefore, confirms that Abdalle Mumin has no charges related to his work as a journalist,” the statement reads.

The authorities held Mumin for days before releasing him on bail. He would later be detained again on October 18, 2022 and released on bail for the second time on October 26 as his health deteriorated while in detention.

According to Mumin’s lawyers, prosecutors from the office of the Attorney General charged him under Article 219 (Bringing the Nation or the State into contempt), Article 321 (Instigation to disobey the laws), and Article 505 (non-observance of orders of the authorities) of the Somali penal code.

The judicial harassment of Mumin raised indignation in the country. Many human and media rights organisations denounced the repeated violations of his rights and the conditions the Ministry of Information gave on November 15, 2022, as alternative to having all charges against him dropped. More specifically, the Ministry requested, among other conditions, that Mumin quit his media advocacy work and abandon future criticism of the authorities before all charges against him are dropped. However, Mumin and the media advocates turned down the conditions they considered “unacceptable and unlawful”.

AFEX is appalled by the judicial harassment of Abdalle Mumin and the outrageous conditions placed on his freedom. We join our voices to that of the media and the international community to condemn the brazen assault on the journalist’s rights, we call on the Somali authorities to drop all charges against him. The Somali authorities must stop restricting legitimate press freedom and freedom of expression on the basis of national security claims.

Members of AFEX:

ADISI-Cameroon
Africa Freedom of Information Centre
Association for Media Development in South Sudan
Center for Media Studies and Peace Building
Collaboration on International ICT Policy in Eastern and Southern Africa (CIPESA)
Freedom of Expression Institute
Gambia Press Union (GPU)
Human Rights Network for Journalists – Uganda
Institute for Media and Society
International Press Centre
Journaliste en danger
Media Foundation for West Africa
Media Institute of Southern Africa
Media Rights Agenda
West African Journalists Association

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