DCMF calls for Somali journalist to be released

DCMF condemns the conviction of freelance journalist Abdiaziz Abdinuur Ibrahim and calls on the Somali government to overturn its decision. 

A Somali court Tuesday jailed a woman, who said she was raped by security forces, and a journalist for insulting state institutions in a case that has sparked international alarm and outrage.

The woman and journalist, who interviewed her but did not broadcast a story about the case, were each jailed for one year.

Journalist Abdiaziz Abdinuur Ibrahim, 25, is already in detention and was to begin his sentence immediately. He was found guilty of offending state institutions "by making a false interview, and entering the house of a woman whose husband was not present."

Ibrahim works for several Somali radio stations and international media outlets. He was detained on January 10 while researching sexual violence in Somalia. He did not air or print any report after interviewing the woman.

http://www.dc4mf.org/en/node/3262