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PRESS RELEASE

(For Immediate Release)

4 October 2015, Mogadishu, Somalia –The Forum for Unity and Democracy condemns the unlawful arrest of Somali journalist Awil Dahir Salad and Universal TV East African Director Abdullahi Hirsi and calls for their immediate release.

On the morning of Friday, October 2, 2015, Universal TV’s Mogadishu bureau was closed and the two journalists were arrested following the airing of “Dood Wadaag”, an audience debate program hosted by Mr. Salad that touches on national issues. Two prominent Members of Parliament (MP), Hon. Mohamed Abdi Yusuf and Hon. Abdi Hashi Abdullahi were invited to discuss and debate on the state of the nation including on the issue of the motion to impeach President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud.

The FUD believes that the arrests of the journalists were a politically motivated act of retaliation, as it came just hours after the airing of the program. Moreover, the security forces have not disclosed any charges against Mr. Salad and Mr. Kulmiye. The Forum believes that the unlawful detainment of the two Universal TV journalists is a deeply alarming trend of the arbitrary use of the Somali security apparatus to restrict freedom of expression and free media, indicating the lack of resolve of the national leadership to advance our country’s democratization process. The FUD is also deeply concerned about the freedom and the security of the opposition, including parliamentarians who have voiced their political opinions contrary to those in power.

The FUD urges the Federal Government to abstain from violating basic human rights and to rectify this injustice by immediately releasing the two journalists and allowing Universal TV’s Mogadishu bureau to resume its normal operations.

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