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Expressing deep concern, Women Journalists Without Chains highlights the arrest of journalist and writer Abdulrahman Sahl Yusuf by the authorities in Somaliland at Hargeisa International Airport.
The organization demands his immediate and unconditional release, along with an end to the policy of persecuting journalists and writers.
According to reports from a Somali lawyer and journalists, Abdul Rahman Sahl Yusuf was arrested on October 6, 2023, at Hargeisa Airport while on his way to the Somali capital, Mogadishu. The reasons behind Sahl's arrest remain unknown, as the authorities in Hargeisa refuse to provide any information about his current situation or the conditions of his detention. Moreover, he has been unable to contact his family or secure legal representation.
The arrest of Abdulrahman Sahl, as stated by Female Journalists Without Chains, appears to be a direct consequence of his journalistic endeavors. This act of kidnapping is a flagrant violation of local laws that explicitly prohibit arbitrary arrests. Furthermore, it sends an alarming message to journalists, regardless of gender, in Somalia, effectively stifling their freedom to fully engage in their journalistic work.
To safeguard the principles of freedom of expression and protect the rights of journalists and political detainees, Women Journalists Without Chains vehemently urges the authorities in Somaliland to take immediate action. The organization calls for the prompt release of journalist "Sahl" and a complete halt to the policy of persecution targeting both male and female journalists and political detainees. It is crucial to foster an environment that fosters freedom of opinion and expression, allowing individuals to express their thoughts without fear of reprisal.
To read the statement click here
