Arrest of Goobjoog Editor ‘illegal and coordinated state campaign’-GMG

The arrest of Goobjoog Media Group Editor Abdiaziz Ahmed Gurbiye is illegal and part of a government campaign to suppress freedom of expression in the country, the Media Group has said.

GMG said in a statement following the arrest of Gurbiye Tuesday the arrest was motivated by self-serving interests by certain government functionaries in violation of the country’s laws.

“Goobjoog Media Group asserts that the arrest of Mr. Gurbiye is illegal in the context of the country’s laws and regulations,” the statement read in part.

The Mogadishu based multimedia company added the, it “views the arrest of Mr. Gurbiye as a part of a planned campaign to suppress the media in this country and generally curtail freedom of speech and expression.”

According to the statement, Gurbiye who serves as the company’s Deputy Director and Editor of Goobjoog News was arrested ‘in line with a warrant issued by the Attorney General on behalf of the Office of President Mohamed Abdullahi Farmaajo.”

ROUNDLY CONDEMNED

Media organisations and unions have condemned the arrest of the outspoken journalist and called for his immediate release. National Union of Somali Journalists (NUSOJ) called Gurbiye’s arrest ‘unacceptable’ and based on ‘outdated’ laws.

“We are very concerned by the arrest of journalist Abdiasis Ahmed Gurbiye. Detaining and prosecuting a journalist or a dissident for exercising his right to free expression under the old and outdated criminal law is very deplorable act,” NUSOJ Secretary General Faruk Osman said.

Somali Journalists Syndicate (SJS) termed Gurbiye’s arrest a ‘threat to freedom of expression’ at a time journalists are providing public education and awareness on the fight against COVID-19.

“SJS notes that the arrest of Goobjoog Media deputy director is not only a threat against constitutionally granted freedoms but will be a stumbling block in ensuring that citizens are informed of all-important emerging issues including to the current emergency of Covid-19.”

The Federation of Somali Journalists (FESOJ) expressed similar concerns. “@FESOJ_SOMALIA condemns the arrest of Goobjoog editor Abdiaziz Ahmed Gurbiye arrested by the security forces on Tuesday . It is not clear the reason behind his arrest . Journalist’s case is a civil rather than criminal case so his detention is so worrying during pandemic COVID-19.

Gurbiye is to appear before Banaadir Regional Court today.

GOOBJOOG NEWS