Somali journalist Suways Jama Mahmoud (Suways Gacayte) has remained in detention at the Nugaal Central Prison for ten days without being formally charged, prompting growing concern among media organizations and press freedom advocates.

Suways was arrested by security forces in Garowe near her residence before being transferred to the Nugaal Central Prison.

Her detention has drawn strong criticism from journalists and media groups, who argue that the arrest violates constitutional protections for personal liberty and press freedom.

Media organizations, journalists’ unions, and lawyers representing Suways say efforts are underway to secure her legal rights and ensure that her case is brought before a court.

According to her legal team, court proceedings are expected to begin on July 12, 2026.

The arrest has been widely condemned by Puntland-based media organizations, Somali journalists’ associations, and civil society groups, who have questioned both the legal basis for her detention and the manner in which it was carried out.

They have called on Puntland authorities to uphold due process, respect media freedoms, and ensure that any legal proceedings are conducted transparently and in accordance with the law.

The case has renewed concerns among press freedom advocates over the treatment of journalists in Somalia, where media organizations have repeatedly urged authorities to safeguard freedom of expression and refrain from arbitrary detention of members of the press.

Puntland security forces on Wednesday arrested journalist Suways Jama Mohamud (Gacayte) in Garowe, the capital of Puntland, in the latest incident raising concerns over press freedom and the treatment of media workers in Somalia.

According to local sources, Suways Gacayte, who is among the journalists working in Garowe and has previously worked with Puntland state media, was detained while passing through the city center. Witnesses said security personnel had earlier gone to her residence in Garowe during the early morning hours before later arresting her elsewhere in the city.

Puntland authorities have not yet issued an official statement explaining the reasons behind her arrest, and no formal charges have been announced.

The detention comes months after former Puntland Minister of Information Mahamud Aidid Dirir filed a legal complaint against the journalist earlier this year. It remains unclear whether Wednesday’s arrest is connected to that case or to any other investigation.

The arrest has renewed concerns among media rights advocates over the shrinking space for independent journalism in Somalia. Journalists across the country have increasingly reported facing arrests, intimidation, threats, legal action, and harassment while covering issues related to politics, security, governance, corruption, and public accountability.

Press freedom organizations have repeatedly warned that the growing use of arrests and criminal prosecutions against journalists risks creating a climate of fear and self-censorship. Many reporters say they are becoming increasingly reluctant to investigate or report on sensitive public interest issues out of concern for their personal safety or the possibility of detention.

Media advocates argue that harassment of journalists weakens public access to accurate information, undermines transparency, and reduces scrutiny of government institutions. They warn that when journalists are prevented from carrying out their work freely, citizens are deprived of independent reporting that is essential for accountability and informed public debate.

In recent years, both federal and regional authorities in Somalia have faced criticism from local and international press freedom organizations over repeated arrests of journalists, temporary media closures, confiscation of equipment, and legal cases targeting reporters. Rights groups have consistently called on Somali authorities to uphold constitutional guarantees protecting freedom of expression and ensure that journalists can work without intimidation or interference.

As of now, there has been no official response from Puntland security agencies regarding the circumstances surrounding Suways Gacayte’s detention, and it remains unclear whether she will be formally charged or brought before a court.