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The Somali government on Wednesday launched a prosecution of Abdalle Ahmed Moomin, executive director of the Somali Journalists Syndicate (SJS), who has been facing severe restrictions since October last year.
Abdalle Mumin appeared in Mogadishu’s Banadir District Court with his lawyers, media representatives and dozens of journalists. Several members of the Somali Federal Parliament and civil society groups participated in the court hearing, which began at 11:00 am Somali time.
Moomin’s lawyers strongly opposed the lawsuit as it clearly stated that it was “politically motivated” with no legal basis. The lawyers urged the court to take note of their decision because journalism is not a crime and that the Ministry of Information, which filed the lawsuit, is working to intimidate and silence Moomin and his colleagues.
“Today was the first public hearing in the case of our client Abdalle Ahmed Mumin. Indeed, the case involves the constitutional right to freedom of expression and is a human right, so it is in the public interest.” said defense attorney Ali Harane. “We have heard the charges brought by the Attorney General’s Office. We will make our case at the next hearing, as the court has told us.”
The public prosecutor read out three charges (Article 219 – insulting the people or the state; Article 321 – inciting to disobey the law; Article 505 – disobeying an order of the authorities. It derives from the outdated Somali penal code.
Lawyers pointed out that the indictment, which, according to its date, was issued a year ago and contains a reference to provisions of the Somali Telecommunications Act is materially flawed.
The court viewed two video clips. One is by Deputy Minister of Information, He Abdirahman Yusuf Adala, and the other is by He Abdalle Mumin, created at a media advocacy group press conference on October 10, 2022. Government officials, including exposing human rights abuses in Somalia.
“It is unacceptable that Abdalle Moomin shames the Somali government and its officials and continues to allege that the government is committing human rights abuses. We have to,” added Farhan Hussain, a public prosecutor representing the Ministry of Information. .
However, defense attorneys questioned the basis of the charges and the oral argument presented by the Attorney General at today’s hearing. Somali authorities have previously said they would stop criminalizing journalists.
SJS Chairman Mohamed Ibrahim said, “Despite all the contradictions and the lack of legal arguments, the government has decided to proceed with the case. It shows the level of harassment.”
The next trial is scheduled for next week.
Last month, seven international organizations sent a joint letter to Somali government officials urging them to drop all charges against journalist, press freedom advocate and executive director of the Somali Journalists Syndicate (SJS) Abdale Ahmed Moomin. rice field.
The letter details how Moomin faced arbitrary arrest, detention and persecution in recent months at the hands of the Somali government in retaliation for exercising his right to freedom of expression.
Moomins were arbitrarily detained for the first time on October 11, 2022. This follows a public statement expressing concern over government directives restricting freedom of expression. He was released on his October 16th and rearrested on October 18th and developed multiple health problems during his custody. He was released on his October 22nd bail on the condition that he not travel abroad and cease his work and expression activities.
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