A journalist has been arrested for three days for “spreading fake news”, which his colleagues deny, citing repeated attacks on press freedom. About fifteen international media outlets were suspended by authorities in the Somali region on January 28.
Young TV journalist Kalsan Muhiyadin Mohammed Ali was released from Jijiga prison on Thursday afternoon after being held for three days. His bail was paid by Abdulrazak Hassan, himself president of the regional association of journalists, who then escorted him home and greeted RFI with “good news”.
The young man was officially accused of spreading “fake news” on social networks. this huge state in eastern Ethiopia.
His detention has exacerbated an already difficult climate. As of Saturday, January 28, regional authorities said they suspended broadcasts from 15 international media outlets, including the BBC in Somalia, Universal TV, Horyaal TV, Kalsan TV, and other private individuals, in response to an order from the Ethiopian Media Authority Somali-language media, which according to the official letter claim to operate “without a license”.