The Somali Journalists Syndicate (SJS) welcomed the release of Himilo Media journalist Khadar Abdirahim Ibrahim, who was freed after two consecutive days of court hearings in Mogadishu.
Ibrahim had faced four defamation charges related to his professional reporting.
Police Raid and Arrest of Himilo Media Journalists
The case began on 12 October 2025, when Somali police raided Himilo Somali TV (Himilo Media) studios and detained journalists Ahmed Mohamed Adan and Khadar Abdirahim Ibrahim.
Adan was released the same night but Ibrahim remained in custody and was later charged by a police prosecutor—not the Attorney General’s office—with four counts under Somalia’s Penal Code and Media Law (2020).
Court Dismisses All Charges
According to defense lawyer Ali Halane: “After our legal defense at the Banadir Regional Court, the judge dismissed all charges and ordered Khadar’s immediate release.”
The charges against the journalist included:
- Article 220: Insulting the Honour and Reputation of the Head of State
- Article 452 (3): Defamation through Media
- Media Law Article 18: Registration of Journalists
- Media Law Article 29: Dissemination of False Information
Concerns Over Somalia’s 2020 Media Law
The Somali Media Law (2020) remains a major point of concern among press freedom organizations.
The SJS and several rights groups have criticized the law for its vague provisions, which are often used to suppress independent journalism and intimidate reporters.
Why Was Himilo Media Journalist Arrested?
The arrest was reportedly ordered by Mahdi Omar Muumin (Moalim Mahdi), Commander of Mogadishu Police and a former Al-Shabaab defector, following Himilo Media’s coverage of forced evictions of vulnerable families in the capital.
During the court hearings, police presented several of Ibrahim’s reports, including footage showing police and intelligence officers assaulting civilians during forced evictions in Siinaay.
As well as coverage of President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud’s failed talks in Kismayo.
Judge Rules in Favor of Press Freedom
After reviewing the evidence, the Banadir Regional Court ruled that Ibrahim’s reports were professional and factual, dismissing all allegations.
However, the police prosecutor later announced plans to appeal the verdict.
Following his release, Himilo Media Director Ahmed Mohamed Adan expressed gratitude to SJS and the media community, stating:
“We are not terrorists — we are journalists.
We are free.”
SJS Applauds the Ruling and Calls for Protection of Journalists
SJS Secretary General Abdalle Ahmed Mumin hailed the verdict as “a victory for press freedom in Somalia.”
He urged Somali authorities to end ongoing harassment and intimidation against journalists and allow the media to report freely on issues of public concern, including human rights violations.
“Journalists must be able to report on issues affecting the public without fear of arrest or intimidation,” Mumin said.
SJS Reaffirms Commitment to Defending Journalists
The Somali Journalists Syndicate reaffirmed its dedication to providing legal support, advocacy, and protection for journalists across the country.
The organization emphasized its mission to ensure that Somali media professionals can continue their vital work safely and without fear, promoting truth, accountability, and transparency.
