Somali journalists demand release of detained MM Somali TV founder, criticize media restrictions

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Thursday February 1, 2024

MM Somali TV founder and journalist, Mohamed Abdi Ilig. | PHOTO/ Courtesy.

Mogadishu (HOL) - The Somali Journalists Syndicate (SJS) is demanding the immediate release of Mohamed Abdi Ilig, the founder and journalist of MM Somali TV, who has been detained since January 6, 2024. In the same statement, the SJS also vehemently criticized the Somali Federal Parliament’s Lower House for its ongoing restrictions on media freedom, highlighting a troubling trend of impediments to press access within the legislative body.

Ilig was arrested following his involvement in a discussion on X (formerly Twitter) about the Somaliland-Ethiopia Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), which was broadcast by MM Somali TV. His detention has continued without formal charges amidst reports from colleagues of a significant decline in his health since being transferred to police custody.

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“The ongoing detention of our colleague, founder and journalist of MM Somali TV, Mohamed Abdi Ilig, constitutes a clear infringement of his rights and a blatant violation of press freedom. We express our deep concern about the extension of his detention by another seven days despite him committing no wrongdoing,” said Abdalle Ahmed Mumin, the Secretary-General of the Somali Journalists Syndicate (SJS). “We urge the Somaliland authorities to uphold their own constitution and refrain from targeting journalists like Ilig who engage in discussions on matters of public interest. It is crucial to recognize that journalism is not a crime.”

The arrest has sparked outrage among journalists and human rights advocates, drawing attention to broader issues of media suppression in the region. On January 22, Somali Cable TV journalists were barred from covering Lower House proceedings, reportedly due to a video they aired depicting a Member of Parliament spraying water on officials. The SSJ says that at least ten media outlets have been affected by similar restrictions. Access has been conditionally reinstated for some, reportedly contingent upon issuing apologies and agreeing not to air content critical of the government.

Mohamed Abdi Ilig's history with the authorities for his journalism further underscores the perilous landscape for press freedom in Somaliland. In May 2022, Ilig, alongside another journalist, received a 16-month prison sentence for subversion and disseminating false news. This arrest stemmed from their reporting on a violent altercation between inmates and guards at Hargeisa Central Prison, the capital's main detention facility. After more than two months in custody — ironically, within the same prison where the reported fight occurred — Ilig was granted a pardon and released.

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