Journalists detained for covering a shootout at Somaliland prison

Tension has been running high in the Prison, with military vehicles in armored vehicles seen in and around the facility. There were no immediate reports of casualties as a result of the shooting.

News Keydmedia Online
13 April 2022

HARGEISA, Somalia - Gunfire was heard at Hargeisa Central Prison in Somaliland after inmates obtained guns and began shooting at the guards on Wednesday, authorities said.

Although no details have been released as to how the prisoners got the weapons, however, police said the government has deployed military forces to the prison to contain the situation.

Five journalists were arrested, including Mohamed Ilig, the owner of MM Somali TV, Hassan Galeydh, a BBC reporter, and Ahmed Mohamud Yusuf, a Saab TV reporter, for reporting on the jail riot.

Two other female journalists named Sagal Mustafe and Namia Ahmed have also been detained by the police.

Tension has been running high in the Prison, with military vehicles in armored vehicles seen in and around the facility. There were no immediate reports of casualties as a result of the shooting.

Somaliland, which claimed it seceded from Somalia in 1991 is at the forefront of the regions where journalists are routinely detained and the independent media repressed for their journalistic work.

KEYDMEDIA English