Press statement: Immediate release

Three journalists working for Horn Cable TV were arrested in Hargeisa yesterday, 13.4.2013. The TV station is based in Hargeisa. Mukhtar Mursal Mohamoud, Mohamed Daud, Yousuf and Abdirashid Ismail Abdi (Aynte) were arrested while they were visiting the headquarters of the Ministry of Minerals and Water. The journalists were in detention for about two hours and were letter on released from detention. Two of them were beaten up by the Police as one journalist told Human Rights Center.

Another journalist was arrested in 10.4.2013 at Gebiley town. Abdikarim Muhumed Adde was released today, 14.4.2013. Mr. Adde works for Hubal newspaper.

Somaliland constitution prohibits all acts that suppress the press which is part of the fundamental freedoms of expression and is independent as stipulated in article 32 of the constitution.

The journalists were arrested without warrant issued by a competent judge; therefore, article 25 of the constitution has been violated.

Human Rights Center is concerned with the increase of the arrests of journalists in the last weeks. Freedom of press is vital for freedom of expression and is guaranteed by the constitution.

The three journalists arrested in Hargeisa were arrested while they were seeking news on oil exploration in Somaliland, that same matter has caused the arrest of journalist in Berbera, 8^th April. Human Rights Center is concerned why any journalist who tries to report on the issue is targeted by the authorities. Citizens have the right to know information relating to oil exploration and its contracts.

Recommendations

Human Rights Center recommends:

• Somaliland authorities to protect freedom of expression;
• The authorities to carryout investigation on the complaints of Horn Cable TV journalists who claimed that they were beaten up.
• The civilian courts to be allowed to hear cases brought against the Police in order for the citizens to sue the Police members.
• The Ministry of Minerals and Water to expose the secrecy surrounding the oil exploration.

Guleid Ahmed Jama
Chairperson of Human Rights Center
Human Rights Center
Headquarters: Hargeisa Somaliland
Tel: 4468227 or 4472011 E-mail: dafac02@hotmail.com