Somaliland security forces arrested a journalist, Mr. Hassan Sulieman Haaruun, known as Hassan Galeydh in Gabiley—who is the owner of Galaydh Television, according to sources close to the journalist.
Mr. Hassan Galaydh was arrested from Gabiley while he was in the town for a working visit.
The official reason for the arrest and the location where he is being held remain unknown.
Reports say that his arrest is linked to statements he made earlier in Hargeisa, in which he and other journalists called on the Somaliland government to release the journalist, Abdiqani Baylood, who had recently been detained..
He requested the President of Somaliland release Baylood, reminding him that President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdillahi Irro—during his time in the opposition had strongly opposed the arrest and harassment of journalists.
The arrest of Hassan Galaydh has sparked widespread reaction with the Somaliland government facing heavy criticism.
Lawmaker Mohamed Abiib is among those who condemned the arrest, calling for the immediate release of the reporter and other journalists.
“Governments gain nothing but disgrace and a loss of credibility from this type of arrest. I call for the restoration of freedom of the journalists. This is unacceptable.”
This development comes at a time when there is ongoing debate in Somaliland regarding freedom of speech and the government’s treatment of the media and journalists.
The Somaliland government-which during its opposition, vigorously campaigned for the protection of freedom of speech and press independence had previously criticized the administration of President Musa Bihi Abdi for arrest and harassment of journalists.
At that time, the opposition Wadani party frequently condemned the detention of journalists, accusing former President Musa Bihi Abdi’s administration of curtailing press freedom.
