Somali Journalist Jakarta Released Under Gag Order After NISA Abduction
On October 18, journalist Abduqadir Mohamed Nur, known as Jakarta, was abducted by NISA agents in Mogadishu, held for several hours while being threatened, and then transferred to Godka Jila’ow prison. Following public outcry, he was released under a gag order prohibiting him from discussing his ordeal. This incident reflects ongoing intimidation and repression faced by journalists in Somalia.
Abduqadir Mohamed Nur, a Somali journalist commonly known as Jakarta, was abducted from his residence in the Boondheere district of Mogadishu early on October 18 by personnel from the National Intelligence and Security Agency (NISA). His abduction occurred around 3:00 a.m., during which Jakarta was forcibly taken while he was asleep with his family. Reports indicate that armed NISA agents, described as being responsible for the abduction, entered his home, handcuffed him, and transported him to a waiting vehicle after threatening violence. During the initial hours of his detention, Jakarta was held in the vehicle, which was surrounded by armed agents and endured threats until his eventual transfer to Godka Jila’ow prison. There, he was interrogated by Mohamed Abdukadir Shakiib, a former al-Shabaab operative now aligned with NISA, who is notorious for his previous encounters with journalists. The Somali Journalists Syndicate (SJS) reported that Shakiib enforced severe questioning methods, intimidating Jakarta regarding Risaala Media’s critical reporting against the authorities in Mogadishu. As conditions drew attention to Jakarta’s plight, public pressure escalated, compelling NISA to release him. However, this release came with the stipulation that he must not disclose details regarding his detention or abduction. The actions undertaken by NISA have raised grave concerns regarding press freedom in Somalia, particularly the utilization of intimidation tactics against journalists. Commenting on the situation, SJS Secretary General Abdalle Mumin criticized the agency’s approach, asserting that the employment of ex-al-Shabaab members to threaten journalists represents a genuine threat to the integrity of media in the region. Risaala Media Corporation’s management echoed these sentiments, outright condemning the unlawful abduction and treatment of their colleague. The chilling incident underscores the ongoing challenges faced by journalists in Somalia, especially those engaged in critical coverage of government actions.
The abduction of Abduqadir Mohamed Nur highlights ongoing issues regarding freedom of the press and the safety of journalists in Somalia. The ongoing conflict with al-Shabaab has complicated the safety landscape for reporters, particularly those who investigate or report on matters deemed sensitive by government authorities. The National Intelligence and Security Agency (NISA), tasked with national security, has been accused of employing intimidation tactics against journalists to suppress critical reporting. The incident with Jakarta illustrates a broader systemic problem that threatens free expression and the safety of media professionals in the country.
The abduction and subsequent gag order imposed on journalist Abduqadir Mohamed Nur exemplify a dangerous trend in Somalia, where journalists face severe repercussions for reporting truthfully about government activities. The use of coercive measures by security agencies, particularly through the involvement of individuals with extremist backgrounds, poses significant risks to press freedom. It is imperative for local and international entities to advocate for the protection of journalists and uphold their right to report without fear of retribution.
Original Source: hornobserver.com
