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Monday, July 22, 2024
Alinur Salad, CEO of Dawan Media, speaking at a recent event
MOGADISHU (HOL) – The arrest of Alinur Salad, a prominent journalist and CEO of Dawan Media, has sparked strong criticism from former officials, journalists’ organizations and social media users. Salad has been detained on charges of immorality, false reporting and insulting the armed forces and is currently being held at the Waberi police station in Mogadishu.
According to the Benadir regional police, 38-year-old Salad was arrested by the Waberi district police for misconduct, fabrication of facts and insulting the armed forces. “Police are currently investigating him and will send him to the competent court,” the police report said.
Somali Journalists Society (SJS) Require demanded the immediate and unconditional release of Salad, saying the arrest violated press freedom and international human rights law. According to SJS, Salad was arrested by the Banadir Regional Police after a report criticised the Somali security forces for using the stimulant khat plant, which affects their combat readiness, and suggested that President Hassan Sheikh Mohammed was involved in the khat trade.
Abdalle Ahmed Mumin, secretary general of the SJS, reported that Dawan Media staff had faced threats for their critical reporting.
Salah’s report highlights major issues affecting national security and governance. Criticism of President Mohammed’s involvement in the khat trade has added political sensitivity, making the arrests highly controversial.
Salad was formerly communications director for former Prime Minister Khair and also worked for the BBC Somali service.
Reactions on social media were swift. Former Prime Minister Hassan Ali Khair called the arrest a blatant attempt to silence independent media. “This action is a blatant attempt to silence independent media, cover up the truth and stifle public sentiment,” he said. He highlighted Salad’s professionalism and urged his quick release.
The sentiment was echoed by Horn Broadcasting Network CEO Mouride Haji Abdi, who said: “Journalists play an important role in providing information to the public and holding those in power accountable.”
In a press release, Dawan Media Group strongly condemned the actions of the Somali police and said: “This action is a clear violation of freedom of expression, constructive criticism and the independence of the Somali media. Alinur Salad is a respected and influential figure in the Somali community. He has worked with Somali government institutions and international organizations and has made significant contributions to enhancing the reputation and image of his country and people. Unfortunately, he has been deliberately defamed and publicly humiliated on social media without appearing in court. We urgently and unconditionally demand that Alinur be released immediately and his freedom restored.”
The Federation of Somali Journalists (FESOJ) also condemned the arrest, stressing that if Salad is charged, he should be brought to justice through proper legal channels. The widespread condemnation reflects the great concerns about press freedom and journalists’ rights in Somalia. Former BBC journalist MM Dhoore and former strategic communications director Mohammed Hirmoge called the arrest a direct attack on the free media and an attempt to silence government critics.
Regional security analyst Samira Gaid highlighted the disturbing trend of shrinking civic space in Somalia. “This incident should be of concern to all those who value democracy and human rights. It is an ominous sign of future events,” she said. Security analyst Ahmed Gaashaan expressed similar concerns about the impact on civil liberties and freedom of expression, calling for Salad’s swift release and due process.
Additional support came from politicians such as MPs Abdullahi Farah Mire and Mursal M Khaliif, who condemned the arrest as an affront to democratic principles and press freedom and criticised the government for using authoritarian means to silence dissent.
A photo of Dawan Media CEO Alinur Sharad after his arrest, provided by the Banadir district police station. Sharad is currently being held at the Varberi police station on charges including immorality, making false reports and insulting the armed forces.
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