Saturday August 24, 2024
Journalist Ali Shujac reports live from the scene of a fire in Mogadishu, Somalia. His arrest has sparked calls for an investigation by the Somali Journalists Syndicate.
Mogadishu (HOL) — The Somali Journalists Syndicate (SJS) is urgently calling for a thorough investigation into the recent arrest of journalist Ali Mohammed Ahmed, known as Ali Shujac, amid allegations of involvement by a senior government official.
Shujac, a reporter for Rogan News Network (RNN TV), was conducting street interviews in Mogadishu's KM4 area on August 21 when he was detained by three plain-clothed officers. The men, later identified as police officers, held him for more than 24 hours without disclosing his whereabouts, leading to widespread concern among his colleagues and family.
The SJS claims the arrest follows a protracted dispute between Shujac and the State Minister of Interior, Federal Affairs, and Reconciliation, Sadad Alio. The conflict, which began in September 2023 during a government workshop, escalated after Shujac posted a series of critical comments on social media, questioning Alio's leadership and integrity.
In a provocative post on July 5, Shujac shared a photograph of Minister Alio with the caption, "The hypocrites are neither for peace nor war." This comment and subsequent posts drew suspicious contacts from individuals falsely claiming to represent the Ministry of Fisheries and Blue Economy, who tried to arrange an interview with the journalist.
According to the SJS statement, on the day of his abduction, the plain-clothed officers reportedly informed Shujac that they had been searching for him for two weeks due to his public criticism of Minister Alio. During his detention, one of the officers made phone calls to someone referred to as "the minister," further raising suspicions about Alio's involvement.
Following intense pressure from fellow journalists and advocacy groups, Shujac was released on August 22, though only after being forced to sign an apology letter to Minister Alio. Shujac says his health deteriorated during his detention due to a lack of access to necessary medication.
"The enforced disappearance of journalist Ali Shujac is a grave violation of press freedom and human rights," said Abdalle Mumin, Secretary-General of the SJS. "We demand a full, transparent investigation to hold those responsible accountable, whether they are government officials or police officers."
The SJS has sought a response from Minister Alio but has yet to receive a reply. This case underscores ongoing concerns about the safety of journalists in Somalia, where they are often subjected to threats, harassment, and violence.
The incident has drawn attention to the broader issue of press freedom in Somalia, where journalists frequently face intimidation for their work. The SJS and other press freedom advocates are urging the Somali government to ensure journalists can operate without fear of reprisal.
The State Minister of Interior, Federal Affairs and Reconciliation, Sadad Alio, delivers closing remarks at the Somalia 2019 GRF Pledges Lessons Learned Workshop, emphasizing the need for a unified response to the Refugee and IDP crisis in Somalia.