Somali Stream expresses its profound dismay and unequivocally condemns the arbitrary arrest and detention of our journalist, Abdulkadir Abukar Ali (Diirshe). We call for his immediate and unconditional release and urge the relevant authorities to uphold the constitutional and legal protections afforded to journalists and media professionals.
Mr Ali was arrested by officers of the Benadir Regional Police and detained at Yaqshid Police Station on the morning of 25 June 2025, at approximately 9:00 a.m.
Prior to his arrest, no formal complaint, petition, or legal notification had been brought to the attention of either the journalist or Somali Stream. Furthermore, no valid judicial warrant was presented at the time of his detention. While the Benadir Regional Police have subsequently claimed that the arrest was carried out pursuant to a court order, the circumstances surrounding the detention raise serious concerns regarding due process, transparency, and respect for fundamental rights.
Somali Stream is particularly alarmed by the decision of the Benadir Regional Police Force to publicly circulate a photograph of Mr Ali following his arrest. Such actions undermine the dignity, presumption of innocence, and civil rights of a Somali citizen and journalist, and risk prejudicing public perception before any legal proceedings have taken place.
This incident reflects a broader and deeply troubling pattern of restrictions on press freedom in Somalia. The detention of journalists for carrying out their professional duties contributes to an increasingly hostile environment for independent media and fosters a climate of fear and intimidation within the journalistic community. Such practices are incompatible with Somalia’s constitutional commitments and its obligations under international human rights law, including the protection of freedom of expression and media freedom.
Somali Stream is closely monitoring Mr Ali’s situation and will utilise all available legal and institutional avenues to secure his release and defend his rights.
We call upon the Somali authorities to immediately release Abdullahi Abukar Ali, guarantee his safety and well-being while in custody, and ensure that he is protected from any form of coercion, harassment, intimidation, or ill-treatment. The authorities must also refrain from using the criminal justice system to silence journalists and instead demonstrate their commitment to protecting media freedom, the rule of law, and democratic principles. Journalism is not a crime. The detention of journalists for their work undermines public trust, weakens democratic accountability, and threatens the fundamental right of citizens to access information.
Somali Stream reiterates its demand for the immediate and unconditional release of Abdulkadir Abukar Ali.
Abdikani Abokor
Managing Director, Somali Stream