In Somaliland, journalists pardoned by president, released

Muhammad Omar Sheekh, Haatuf
IMPRISONED

Publisher Gabobe, editor Dini and reporter Sheekh of the independent Somali-language daily Haatuf in the northern breakaway republic of Somaliland, were released after nearly three months in prison, according to the state Radio Hargeysa and local journalists.

The journalists were freed on account of a pardon issued by President Dahir Rayale Kahin, according to the same sources. The pardon was not solicited, Gabobe told CPJ. They were detained in Mandhera, north of the capital Hargeysa, pending an appeal to criminal convictions handed this month. <br>
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Gabobe and Dini were arrested on January 2 and Sheekh on January 14 in connection with a series of articles alleging corruption and nepotism by Kahin and his wife.<br>