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January 23, 2025 – Somalia –
Somaliland authorities have released freelance journalist Shafi’i Abdi Mohamed, known professionally as Shafii Shaaciye, after holding him in detention for one week without formal charges. His arrest on January 16, 2025, came shortly after his return to Hargeisa, reportedly in response to social media posts that were critical of the government.
According to local reports, police raided Shaaciye’s home early in the morning and took him into custody. On January 18, he was presented before the Maroodi Jeh court, which extended his detention by seven days without providing a clear justification or filing any formal charges. This sparked condemnation from press freedom advocates, who described the arrest as arbitrary and politically motivated.
During his week-long detention, the Somali Journalists Syndicate (SJS) and other rights organizations campaigned for his immediate release. SJS issued statements condemning the Somaliland government’s actions as an attack on press freedom and free expression. They argued that Shaaciye was detained solely for exercising his right to criticize public officials—an act protected under both local and international legal frameworks.
Shaaciye was finally released on January 22, 2025, and reunited with his family. No legal charges were brought against him, and authorities have not publicly explained the reason for his arrest. His release followed mounting pressure from local and international media organizations.
The case has raised renewed concerns about the deteriorating state of press freedom in Somaliland. Journalists, particularly freelancers and independent voices, continue to face threats, intimidation, and arrests for expressing critical views. Human rights defenders warn that Shaaciye’s detention reflects a broader trend of government repression against dissenting voices.
The SJS has called on the Somaliland government to repeal laws that enable the arrest and detention of journalists for nonviolent speech and to commit to protecting media independence. Advocates stress the need for transparent legal processes and safeguards to prevent arbitrary detentions.
Shaaciye’s case underscores the urgent need for reform and accountability in Somaliland’s treatment of journalists. Without meaningful changes, press freedom remains under threat in a region often seen as more democratic than its neighbors.
Reference –
https://hornobserver.com/assets/send.tpl.php?article_id=3140
Somaliland Journalist Shafi’i Shaaciye Released After Week-Long Detention
