Mogadishu(Mogadishu24)-International organizations and press freedom advocates have condemned the detention of Somali journalist Alinur Salaad, CEO of Dawan Media Group, and are calling for his immediate release. Salaad was remanded in custody for 45 days on allegations of “immorality, false reporting, and insulting the armed forces.”

“Somali authorities must immediately free journalist Alinur Salaad, drop all legal proceedings against him, and allow journalists to report and comment freely on public affairs,” said Angela Quintal, head of the Committee to Protect Journalists’ (CPJ) Africa program, in New York.

“Somalia must end its practice of harassing and arbitrarily detaining journalists.” CPJ also noted that Attorney General Sulayman Mohamed Mohamoud and Deputy Information Minister Abdirahman Yusuf Omar Al Adala did not respond to their requests for comment.

The International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) also condemned the arrest. “The authorities must uphold press freedom and ensure journalists can work safely,” said IFJ Deputy General Secretary Tim Dawson. “Journalists must highlight issues of public interest and hold power to account. They should not face arrest for their reporting. Journalism is not a crime.”

Reporters Without Borders (RSF) expressed concern over Salaad’s arrest on social media. “RSF is concerned by the arrest — without charges — of Alinur Salaad, director of Dawan TV, on 22/07 in Mogadishu. The authorities must explain themselves or release the journalist, who recently reported on Somali soldiers’ khat consumption on his social media,” RSF stated.

The arrest of Alinur Salaad has sparked global outrage, with many calling for his immediate release and urging Somali authorities to respect press freedom and end the harassment and arbitrary detention of journalists. Salaad’s continued detention underscored the ongoing challenges faced by journalists in Somalia as they strive to report on critical issues and hold those in power accountable.