0
|
|
Arrested on 15 February upon arrival at Hargeisa Airport, Abdilmalik Musse Oldon was formally charged under Somalia’s old penal code of 1960, particularly under Article 212 on "ant-national activity of a citizen abroad”, article 328 on "publication or circulation of false, exaggerated or tendentious news capable of disturbing public order” and Article 220 on "offending the honour or prestige of the head of state”. "This is a brutal, outrageous decision, which is flagrant violation of free expression. We condemn this harsh and unacceptable sentence which takes media repression in Somaliland to record levels. We shall support our colleagues in Somaliland and Abdilmalik Musse Oldon in their efforts to have this verdict overturned," said Omar Faruk Osman, NUSOJ Secretary General. Hargeisa’s Marodi Jeeh Regional Court heard on 4-5 April 2017 the arguments between prosecutor and attorneys defending Oldon. The main accusations leveled against Oldon included comments he allegedly made on the social media against Somaliland president and Oldon’s support to President of Somalia Mohamed Abdullahi Mohamed Farmaajo. The sole evidence that Somaliland prosecutor presented to the court is a videotape in which Oldon sympathetically talks about President Farmaajo, without talking about Somaliland. Chairman of Marodi Jeeh Regional Court, judge Ahmed Dalmar Ismail, this morning found Oldon guilty of breaching articles 212 and 328 of penal code, and discharged government’s allegation that the journalist had broken article 220. Judge Ismail sentenced Oldon to two years of jail. NUSOJ today emphasized, once again, the flagrant abuse of Somalia’s old, vaguely worded, draconian penal code to silence journalists and curtail freedom of expression of citizens by political leaders. So far 19 journalists were charged under this penal code in the past 3 years. "Clearly we see criminalization of freedom of expression by using this penal code and manipulating the justice system. This is both dangerous and absurd” added Osman. |
Prominent Somali investigative journalist and philanthropist Dahir Abdulle Alasow has been honored with the prestigious Humanitarian of the Year 2026 Award, recognizing his growing humanitarian impact through the international charity organization Alasow Foundation. Full Article
The Associated Somali Journalists (ASOJ) has expressed concern over what it describes as growing pressure, intimidation, and suppression targeting independent media and freedom of expression in Somalia. Full Article
A Facebook photo posted by Somaliland President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi (Cirro) has triggered widespread speculation among Somalis online, with claims that the President is preparing for an overseas trip — including rumours linking the visit to Israel. Open-source aviation assessment of the aircraft visible in the image indicates the helicopter is Swiss-registered, bearing registration HB-ZYI, and identified as a Bell 429 (B429) — a type commonly used for VIP charter and private rental services. The photo appears to have been taken on an airport apron, consistent with charter helicopter operations. While Switzerland is strongly indicated through the aircraft registration prefix HB, the exact airport location cannot be confirmed from the posted image alone. Additionally, claims circulating online suggesting Cirro has entered security "wanted lists" remain unverified and unsupported by official documentation. Full Article
The Federal Republic of Somalia has issued a strong diplomatic condemnation following an unauthorized visit by Israel's Minister of Foreign Affairs to Hargeisa, declaring the move a grave violation of Somalia's sovereignty, territorial integrity, and political unity. Full Article
ANKARA, Turkey — Libya's Chief of Staff, General Mohammed Ali Ahmed Al-Haddad, along with four senior military officials, was killed Tuesday night when the private jet carrying them crashed shortly after taking off from Ankara's Esenboğa Airport in Turkey, Libyan and Turkish authorities confirmed. Reuters +1 Full Article
Across Europe, North America, and other regions, Somali communities living in the diaspora are increasingly confronting a serious and troubling challenge: the widespread use of online blackmail and digital abuse targeting women and children on social media platforms. Full Article
A routine investigation into the unexplained death of a woman in Voorburg has uncovered one of the largest stashes of illegal pharmaceuticals found in the Netherlands in recent years. The discovery has now led two suspects from Breda to face criminal charges for their alleged role in distributing the potentially lethal substances. Full Article
Waagacusub.net - Somali-British boxing champion Ramla Ali has revealed that the United States government denied her entry into the country, preventing her from participating in a major match scheduled for 19 December. Full Article
A shocking human rights incident has sparked public outrage in Afgooye district after several Somali women were arrested and shackled with metal cuffs on both their hands and feet. The women were detained shortly after attending a community meeting where they expressed criticism of the Afgooye district administration. Full Article
Mogadishu (Waagacusub Media) – Former Somali President Mohamed Abdullahi Farmaajo arrived in Mogadishu on Thursday morning, marking his first visit to the capital in several months. Farmaajo and his delegation landed at Aden Adde International Airport, where they were received by members of parliament, political figures, and sections of the public who had gathered to welcome him. Full Article
MOGADISHU — Concerns are growing among Somali intellectuals, civil society organizations, retired military officers, and democracy advocates that Somalia is entering a dangerous period of political instability marked by increasing militarization and shrinking space for democratic participation. The concerns come amid escalating confrontations in Mogadishu and reports of civilian casualties, displacement, and destruction resulting from recent clashes between government forces and opposition-aligned groups.
Prominent Somali investigative journalist and philanthropist Dahir Abdulle Alasow has been honored with the prestigious Humanitarian of the Year 2026 Award, recognizing his growing humanitarian impact through the international charity organization Alasow Foundation.
Somalia is facing a deepening humanitarian and political crisis following widespread forced evictions, deadly security operations, and escalating tensions between the federal government and opposition groups.
The Federal Republic of Somalia has issued a strong diplomatic condemnation following an unauthorized visit by Israel's Minister of Foreign Affairs to Hargeisa, declaring the move a grave violation of Somalia's sovereignty, territorial integrity, and political unity.
Washington – U.S. President Donald Trump has announced the immediate cancellation of deportation protections for Somali nationals living in the state of Minnesota, sending shockwaves through one of the largest Somali diaspora communities in the world. In a strongly worded post shared online, President Trump stated: "Somali gangs are terrorizing the people of that great State, and BILLIONS of Dollars are missing. Send them back to where they came from. It's OVER!" The message has triggered widespread fear among Somali immigrants and families in Minnesota, many of whom have lived in the United States for decades and built stable communities.
MOGADISHU — Concerns are growing among Somali intellectuals, civil society organizations, retired military officers, and democracy advocates that Somalia is entering a dangerous period of political instability marked by increasing militarization and shrinking space for democratic participation. The concerns come amid escalating confrontations in Mogadishu and reports of civilian casualties, displacement, and destruction resulting from recent clashes between government forces and opposition-aligned groups. Full Article
MOGADISHU, Somalia – As Somalia approaches planned demonstrations on June 4, concerns continue to grow over the state of human rights, freedom of expression, and civic space in the country. Full Article
Prominent Somali investigative journalist and philanthropist Dahir Abdulle Alasow has been honored with the prestigious Humanitarian of the Year 2026 Award, recognizing his growing humanitarian impact through the international charity organization Alasow Foundation. Full Article
MOGADISHU, Somalia — Turkey's growing political, military, and economic influence in Somalia is increasingly drawing attention across the Horn of Africa and Red Sea region as geopolitical competition intensifies between regional and international powers. Full Article
Somalia is facing a deepening humanitarian and political crisis following widespread forced evictions, deadly security operations, and escalating tensions between the federal government and opposition groups. Full Article
Hormuud's Assault on African Peacekeepers Figure 14: African Peace Keepers Hormuud launched a scorching public campaign against the Kenyan military forces in AMISOM in late August 2019. Full Article
Former Intel official stripped from NISA membership Full Article
PM KHEYRE USELESS AND COSTY OVERSEAS TRIPS. Full Article
Abiy says 'New Year' will be celebrated in Eritrea, Ethiopian Airlines to resume flights Full Article
Massive rise in Islamist militant attacks in Africa Full Article
Somalia:"flagrant violation of free expression" after sentencing of an independent journalist in Somaliland
The National Union of Somali Journalists (NUSOJ) has strongly condemned a court verdict against independent journalist Abdimalik Muse Oldon in Somaliland's capital Hargeisa who was today sentenced to two (2) years of prison.