Mogdishu,March 31,today deplores in strongestterms possible the unlawful arrest of journalist Jama Ayanle Feyte and demandshis immediate and unconditional release.
Jama Ayanle, who works for News website laasqorey.com, was arrested onThursday, 26 March, in Bossasso by Puntland police following the orders ofPuntland’s Deputy Police Commissioner Mohamed Said Jaqanaf.
The deputy police commissioner informed the journalist when arrested that he isbeing arrested for publishing false information, although police chief did notspecify the alleged false information.
Puntland Minister of Information and His deputy Minister told NUSOJ that theywere informed about neither the arrest nor the allegations against thejournalist, but asked the police to release him for their guarantee, which thepolice turned down.
Other source of information told NUSOJ that PuntlandInterior Minister Abullahi Jama Ilkajir is involved in the case of thisjournalist after he complained to the police force about Jama’s reports.
“We are deeply stunned by these unfounded allegations against Jama Ayanle. Puntland police has history of threatening and arresting journalists because oftheir independent reporting” said Omar Faruk Osman, NUSOJ Secretary General.
“If they cannot produce tangible proof to substantiate these allegations, thepolice must release the journalist without more illegal detention to continuehis work freely” Omar Faruk added.