Front Line is concerned following reports that Mr Mohamed Abdi Guled “Urad” was arrested by police in the city of Hargeisa, on 26 February 2009. Mohamed Abdi Guled is a member of the Somaliland Journalists' Association (SOLJA) and the editor of the newspaper YOOL. SOLJA is an organisation which advocates for the rights of journalists in Somaliland.

Further Information

On 26 February 2009, Mohamed Abdi Guled was arrested after an article he had written was published on 24 February 2009. The article reported on the alleged planned murder by the authorities of members of the Somaliland parliament and opposition leaders. SOLJA has campaigned for the release of Mohamed Abdi Guled, but its court application to have Mohamed Abdi Guled released was opposed by the Attorney General.

Front Line believes that Mohamed Abdi Guled has been arrested because of his legitimate and peaceful work in the defence of human rights, in particular his reporting on issues of democracy and good governance.