MARCH 15, 2007
Posted March 28, 2007
Abdul-Qani Ahmed Askar, freelance
HARASSED
Askar, a freelance reporter with the private Geeska Afrika and the leading independent daily Haatuf, was arrested by police on the orders of the state prosecutor, according to local journalists.
The move was in connection to December 2006 articles critical of Osman Sheikh Abdi, a parastatal figure of President Dahir Rayale Kahin’s entourage, according to local journalists and local news reports.
The arrest was linked to the trial of four Haatuf journalists, convicted this month of defaming the head of state over articles alleging corruption and nepotism, Somaliland Journalists Association Chairman Mustafa Abdi Isse told CPJ. Askar was released without charge two days later, according to local journalists.