Mogadishu, Somalia — August 14, 2025. The Somali Media Association (SOMA) strongly condemns the illegal and violent detention of Risaala TV journalist Abukar Keynan, who was seized at gunpoint and tortured while covering a land eviction clash in Hodan District. SOMA is calling on Somali authorities to take immediate action to hold those responsible accountable and to protect journalists’ safety nationwide.
Speaking after his release, Abukar recounted the ordeal: “I left the Risaala TV center at 8:00 am with a cameraman to report on the real situation in Hodan District, as part of our duty as journalists. During the coverage, my eyes were covered with my shirt, I was forced to lie on the ground while gunfire erupted around us, and I was tortured, as you can see from my swollen lips and the bruises on my face. It was a dangerous moment and a clear violation of journalists’ rights.”
During the coverage, my eyes were covered with my shirt, I was forced to lie on the ground while gunfire erupted around us, and I was tortured, as you can see from my swollen lips and the bruises on my face.
Journalist Abukar Keynan
SOMA Secretary-General Mohamed Abduwahab condemned the attack in the strongest terms and urged the Somali authorities to conduct a thorough and transparent investigation into the incident. He stressed that acts of intimidation, violence, or unlawful detention against members of the press are unacceptable and undermine the fundamental principles of press freedom and democracy in Somalia.
SOMA reiterates its unwavering commitment to defending press freedom and protecting the rights of journalists across Somalia. The association calls upon the government, civil society, and the international community to stand in solidarity against such violations and create a safe environment where journalists can carry out their work without fear of violence or persecution.