Journalist to face trial on three charges in Somaliland

Abdimalik Muse Oldoon the journalist who was arrested last month in Hargeisa will face trial on three different charges including deliberate incitement and provocation, Somaliland prosecutor said.

Oldon, an online freelance journalist and blogger was arrested following his visit to Somalia’s capital, Mogadishu during the presidential elections in February.

The prosecutor also accused the journalist of participating and supporting Somalia’s election which took place in February.

Journalists in Somalia condemned Mr. Oldon’s arrest, urging authorities in Somaliland to release him.

Despite having no personal security concerns unlike their colleagues in southern and central Somalia, journalists in Somaliland and its neighbouring Puntland have in recent times been subject to intimidation, censorship and harassment, a scenario journalists’ rights groups criticizes as ‘draconian’.

Somaliland declared its independence from Somalia in 1991 but is yet to gain international recognition.