GAROWE, Puntland – Female journalist Suways Gacayte was released on bail on Tuesday after spending 13 days in detention at the Central Prison in Garowe, following a ruling by the Garowe District Court. The decision was read by Judge Burhan Sheikh Dahir, Deputy Chairman of the Garowe District Court.
The court’s decision means that Gacayte remains subject to further legal proceedings and can be summoned to appear before the court as the case continues.
During the hearing, the court accepted objections raised by Suways’ lawyer, Abdiweli Said Haji. The court also approved a request from the defense that complaints against journalists should first be referred to the Puntland Higher Media Council before any criminal proceedings are initiated.
According to the court proceedings, Gacayte is accused under Articles 326 and 328 of the Somali Penal Code, as well as Articles 10, 17, and 25 of the Puntland Media Law.
However, the court’s ruling does not mean that the allegations against Gacayte have been dismissed. The case remains open and legal proceedings may continue in the coming weeks.
Gacayte, a well-known journalist recognized for her critical reporting and street interviews in Puntland, was arrested earlier this month, prompting concern among journalists, media organizations, and press freedom advocates. Her detention sparked protests by journalists in Garowe, who marched through the city and gathered outside court and human rights offices to demand her release and denounce what they described as an attack on press freedom.
Reacting to her release, Maryan Seylac, Executive Director of the Somali Media Women Association (SOMWA), welcomed the court’s decision but called for the case to be dropped entirely.
“We welcome the release of journalist Suways Gacayte after 13 days in detention. However, her release on bail does not remedy the injustice she has already endured. The allegations brought against her have not been supported by credible evidence and should be dropped immediately. Journalism is not a crime, and journalists should not be subjected to arrest and detention for carrying out their professional responsibilities. This case has had a chilling effect on media freedom and has once again exposed the risks faced by women journalists who are often disproportionately targeted. We call on the Puntland authorities to end these proceedings, respect press freedom, and ensure that journalists can work without fear of harassment, intimidation, or arbitrary detention,” Seylac said.
Media rights groups have welcomed Gacayte’s release while continuing to monitor the case closely. Advocates say the proceedings have raised broader concerns about the protection of journalists and the need to uphold media laws and due process in cases involving members of the press, particularly women journalists who continue to face harassment, intimidation, and abuse of power because of their work.
