HOL Reporter Faysal Boston
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July 31, 2011 (HOL) – Hiirraan Online reporter Faysal Mohamed Hassan a.k.a Boston who was in jail for 33 days was released from Boosaas Jail in the semi-autonomous region of Puntland after receiving presidential pardon.
Mr. Hassan who briefly spoke with HOL reporters after his release stated that he is quite happy to have gotten back his freedom and is extremely excited to be reunited with his family and to be with his first born child who was born while he was in Jail.
“I am happy to be free at last and the 33 days I spent jail were the darkest days of my life” said Hassan, adding that he wants to thank to all who exerted pressure and influence for my release, in particular, he thanked the Puntland administration, HOL management and staff and National Union of Somali Journalist. Similarly, he acknowledged and thanked CPJ efforts in securing his release from Boosaaso prison
Mr. Faysal Hassan has been HOL reporter stationed in the semi-autonomous region of Puntland when he was illegally detained by the Puntland Police on June 28, 2011 and on July 2, 2011 a lower court sentenced him for one year after he was allegedly accused of reporting unsubstantiated and biased news.
“I am greatly indebted to the concerted efforts of all those who contributed in my release from prison and who made possible for me to get back my freedom today” said Mr. Faysal Hassan, who also added that he will continue reporting news for HOL.
HOL management and staff including reporters and editors welcomed this good news and wished him well, and are hoping he will also be reunited with his colleagues and start reporting news as soon as possible.