Mogadishu, Somalia — August 6, 2025. The Somali Media Association (SOMA) strongly condemns the illegal raid conducted by the Somali Police Force on the premises of SMS TV. During the raid, police officers confiscated essential media equipment, including cameras, and detained two journalists — Hussein Isse Mohamed and Osman Abdullahi Arab, who were taken to the Hamar Jajab District Police Station. The journalists were held in custody for two days and released on August 5, 2025.
The Secretary-General of SOMA, Mohamed Abduwahab, stated: “I strongly condemn the detention of SMS TV journalists, who were held in custody for two days without due legal process. Such actions are unacceptable and a clear violation of press freedom.”
SOMA expresses deep concern over the arbitrary detention of journalists without a court-issued warrant. Such actions contravene both national laws and international standards that protect freedom of expression and the rights of media professionals.
“We urge the current government to uphold its constitutional commitment to press freedom and the rule of law by holding accountable those responsible for violating journalists’ rights,” Said Moahmed.
Freedom of the press is essential to transparency, democracy, and the public’s right to be informed.