Abducted Somali Journalist Freed Under Gag Order from NISA
Somali journalist Abduqadir Mohamed Nur, known as Jakarta, was abducted by NISA on October 18 and released under a gag order preventing him from speaking to the media. His abduction involved armed men, confiscation of his phone, and harsh interrogation by an officer linked to al-Shabaab. The incident has drawn significant condemnation from journalism advocacy groups, calling attention to the hostile environment for reporters in Somalia.
In Mogadishu, Somalia, journalist Abduqadir Mohamed Nur, commonly referred to as Jakarta, has been released after his abduction by the National Intelligence and Security Agency (NISA) on October 18, 2023. His release, however, comes with a troubling stipulation that he must refrain from discussing his experience with the media. Jakarta, who works for Risaala Media, was forcibly taken from his home at 3:00 a.m. while with his family. Reports indicate that he was handcuffed by armed individuals and taken away in a vehicle, where further NISA agents awaited. Once detained, Jakarta endured a harrowing interrogation lasting several hours, characterized by threats and intimidation tactics. His mobile phone was seized during the raid, and he was eventually transported to Godka Jila’ow prison by Omar Abdukadir Shakiib, a former operative of the militant group al-Shabaab who now serves within the NISA. The Somali Journalists Syndicate (SJS) highlighted that eyewitnesses confirmed the involvement of NISA officers in the abduction, and their Secretary General, Abdalle Mumin, condemned the use of former extremists to intimidate journalists, particularly concerning Jakarta’s reporting critical of the local government. The situation gained traction as news of his abduction circulated, prompting public outcry that facilitated his release under conditions that Mumin labeled as unreasonable and simply a method of intimidation. Risaala Media’s management has also denounced the incident, advocating for the protection of journalists and an end to such oppressive actions.
The abduction of journalist Abduqadir Mohamed Nur reflects the broader concerns regarding the safety and freedom of the press in Somalia, where the environment for media professionals remains perilous. The Somali National Intelligence and Security Agency (NISA) has faced criticism for its tactics in silencing dissent and controlling narratives, particularly in light of ongoing conflicts and political tensions in the region. Risaala Media, the organization for which Jakarta works, has previously experienced governmental pressures and detentions of its staff due to its independent reporting on sensitive topics, including the functioning of the federal government and security forces. This incident underscores the urgent need for protective measures for journalists in Somalia, as well as calls for accountability within government institutions over their actions against the media.
The case of Abduqadir Mohamed Nur highlights a critical issue regarding the safety of journalists in Somalia, where intimidation tactics employed by governmental agencies pose a severe threat to media freedom. The conditions imposed upon Jakarta following his release illustrate a concerning trend of silencing dissent and bullying individuals who report on governmental failings. There is a pressing need for collective action from civil society and international organizations to safeguard press freedoms and support journalists striving to uphold truth and accountability in challenging environments.
Original Source: hornobserver.com
