Bosaaso, Puntland –Â Police officers arrested Suweys Jama Mohamud, also known as Suweys Ga’ate, a prominent female journalist for Puntland TV, after kicking her in a troubling incident. The incident happened in Bosaaso town of Puntland state in North Eastern Somalia at 10:00 pm, on March 3, 2024, as Suweys was on her way home from work.
Speaking to the Somali Media Women Association (SOMWA), Suweys recounted the harrowing experience. She revealed that two police cars had been tailing her for a significant period after she left work. The police cars eventually overtook her and blocked her path. The officers demanded her identification, but Suweys hesitated, fearing for her safety.
“For the past few months, there have been reports of car hijackings in the area,” Suweys explained. “As a woman and a journalist, I was afraid for my life and hesitant to reveal my identity without being certain of who they were.” Despite her initial reluctance, Suweys eventually disclosed her identity, but the delay angered the officers.
Describing the assault, Suweys stated, “Two strong men, including the officer in charge named Madar Iid Hagaa, forced their way into my locked car, dragged me out through the window, and assaulted me. They then threw me into their car like a piece of garbage.” The officers took her to the police station, where they detained her and falsely accused her of intoxication. Suweys complained about officer Madar Hagaa, who was in charge of the army, for screaming at her and kicking her deliberately.
In her pursuit of justice, Suweys filed a complaint against the police for brutality. She took her case to the regional police command, the regional criminal investigation service (CID), and the regional armed force court.
However, despite her efforts, the case remains unresolved, with the police departments ignoring her pleas. It has been five months since the incident, and Suweys continues to fight tirelessly for justice.
The Somali Media Women Association (SOMWA) has strongly condemned the assault on Suweys. Mrs. Maryan Seylac, SOMWA’s executive director, emphasised that the police are supposed to protect citizens, not cause them harm. “Our colleague Suweys is struggling, and if one of us is suffering, we are all suffering.
” Women journalists should feel safe while serving their communities, but unfortunately, that is not the case,” Seylac stated. She called for immediate justice for Suweys, urging Puntland police authorities to take action, and also called on media outlet managers to provide flexible working hours for their female employees in order to ensure their safety and well-being.
As the fight for justice continues, the case of Suweys Jama Mohamud highlights the urgent need for greater protection and respect for journalists, especially women, in Puntland and beyond.
