The National Union of Somali Journalists (NUSOJ) welcomes Radio Shabelle editor Mohamed Bashir Hashi's release on bail after 198 days in detention on trumped-up charges of "terrorism" and "assassination" designed to silence him and Radio Shabelle. His release demonstrates the weakness of the prosecution case against him.

On 6 September 2014, at around 13:15, seven armed men from National Intelligence and Security Agency (NISA) picked Hashi up from Mogadishu KM4 junction. He was first detained at NISA prison of Godka Jilicow and was later transferred to Mogadishu’s central prison.

On 1 March 2015, the case against Mohamed Bashir Hashi was heard and he was accused of "terrorism” and being behind the "attempted assassination” of former Member of Parliament whose car exploded. His verdict and sentence are postponed, and Hashi was returned to prison. But the former parliamentarian went to the persecution and categorically stated that Hashi has had no role of any kind, at the attack in which the parliamentarian lost one of his legs. The persecution failed today to get witnesses to substantiate their accusations against journalist Hashi, and asked the judge more time to look for witnesses. But the judge approved the request from Hashi’s lawyers to release him on bail.
"We are delighted by Mohamed Bashir Hashi’s release, even if it comes 198 days too late, and now the judicial authorities must drop all the charges against him,” said Omar Faruk Osman, NUSOJ Secretary General.
NUSOJ calls for an end to the persecution of journalists. "The lack of evidence against him shows the hidden political motive for their detention,” added Osman.
Hashi is the remaining Shabelle Media Network journalist in prison. Ahmed Abdi Hassan, deputy editor of Radio Shabelle, and Mohamud Mohamed Dahir (Arab), director of SkyFM, were freed on 2 March after payment of hefty fine.