Somalia: British-Somali Journalist Busharo Ali Mohamed Detained and Physically Assaulted by Somaliland Security Forces
The Coalition For Women In Journalism is deeply concerned for the journalist’s well-being and demands her immediate release
Location: Somalia, Hargeisa
Date: May 15, 2023**Updated on August 9, 2023.
Freelance journalist Busharo Ali Mohamed was detained at the Somaliland border and physically assaulted by security forces. The Coalition For Women In Journalism condemns her detention and mistreatment by Somaliland authorities. We demand her immediate and unconditional release.
Police of the self-proclaimed Republic of Somaliland detained Busharo Ali Mohamed en route to an assignment on May 15. Security forces reportedly tortured the British-Somali journalist at the border with Ethiopia before being transferred to police custody in Hargeisa.
“Police officers at the Wajaale border point beat her and caused at least two injuries on her face and the right leg,” a politician from Somaliland opposition party said in a press briefing after visiting Ali Mohamed in prison.
Human Rights Centre Somaliland also reports that Ali Mohamed “sustained considerable wounds to her forehead and knee” while in police custody.
Despite her injuries, the journalist has been repeatedly denied medical treatment and is held at Hargeisa Central Prison with limited access to visitors.
During a court appearance on May 17, Somaliland authorities accused Ali Mohamed of spreading propaganda and endangering national security. She was detained without any specific charges until June 20, when the Somaliland Office of the Attorney General made baseless allegations against her, including disseminating false information, engaging in anti-national activities, and revealing classified information.
Busharo has appeared in court seven times, and her detention has been extended each time without valid justification.
Her next court appearance is scheduled to take place on August 10. According to reports by IPI, Ali Mohamed is now facing new charges stemming from her YouTube & Facebook posts.
Targeting of Busharo Ali Mohamed
At her initial court hearing, Somaliland authorities alleged Ali Mohamed was detained concerning her coverage of the conflict in LasAnod, Somaliland.
Ali Mohamed is one of nine journalists in Somaliland prevented by a court injunction from reporting the conflict on social media.
Following reports of Somaliland army attacking protestors in LasAnod, authorities sought injunctions against journalists to prevent the spreading of “fake news and incitement to violence.”
Busharo Ali Mohamed, popularly known as Bushaaro Baanday, has reported on Somaliland’s declining democracy and has called its current leader President Muse Bihi an autocrat. Her popular Facebook page, where she broadcasts her reports, has almost 800,000 followers.
The Somali Journalists Syndicate has strongly condemned Ali Mohamed’s detention and calls for Somaliland President Muse Bihi to “instruct his police officers to stop targeting journalists critical of his administration.”
Detention of Critical Journalists in Somaliland
Press freedom in Somaliland is suppressed by political control over media outlets. Alongside Ali Mohamed, Somaliland authorities also targeted journalist Khalid Yusuf Hassan from Eryal TV. Somaliland police detained him in Hargeisa on 13 June 2023. No grounds for his detention or charges have been disclosed.
These incidents highlight the ongoing threats journalists face in Somaliland, with arbitrary detentions becoming all too common. The lack of transparency and accountability in these cases is alarming, and it is essential that authorities take immediate action to ensure the safety and freedom of journalists in the country.
The Coalition For Women In Journalism is deeply concerned for the well-being of Busharo Ali Mohamed. An independent investigation must be conducted into allegations of police torture. Authorities should also provide her with medical care. Her detention is clearly in retaliation for her reporting on the Somaliland government. Arbitrary detention of journalists is being used as a tool to silence critical voices. We demand her immediate and unconditional release.
The Coalition For Women In Journalism is a global organization of support for women journalists. The CFWIJ pioneered mentorship for mid-career women journalists across several countries around the world and is the first organization to focus on the status of free press for women journalists. We thoroughly document cases of any form of abuse against women in any part of the globe. Our system of individuals and organizations brings together the experience and mentorship necessary to help female career journalists navigate the industry. Our goal is to help develop a strong mechanism where women journalists can work safely and thrive.
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