GAROWE, Somalia – Journalists in Puntland took to the streets in Garowe to demand the immediate release of detained journalist Suweys Gacayte, raising their voices in defense of press freedom, justice, and the protection of independent media in Somalia.
The journalists marched through the city, holding a peaceful procession that passed by the offices of the court and the human rights authorities, where they called for justice, accountability, and the immediate release of Suweys.
During the demonstration, journalists and media leaders condemned Suweys’ continued detention and called on Puntland authorities to end what they described as an ongoing pattern of intimidation against critical and independent journalists.
Independent journalist Anisa Bootaan declared, “Journalism is not a crime,” stressing that authorities cannot silence justice through repression and imprisonment. She described Suweys as a journalist who has served as a voice for ordinary people through her reporting and public street interviews, warning that silencing one journalist would not stop demands for accountability. “If Suweys is not released, more journalists like her will emerge,” she said.
Bootaan further accused Puntland President Said Abdullahi Deni of applying double standards, noting that he had previously criticised the detention of a young woman (Sacdiyo Bjaaj) in Mogadishu while another young woman journalist (Suweys) now remains behind bars in Garowe. She alleged that authorities are attempting to find charges to justify Suweys’ continued detention and prosecution.
Umulkheyr Ahmed, Director of Gole TV, called for Suweys’ immediate release and urged Puntland authorities to end the intimidation and harassment of journalists. She emphasised that journalists must be allowed to carry out their work without fear of arrest or retaliation.
Khadr Cawl Ismail, Director of Radio Daljir, also demanded that Puntland authorities withdraw any false allegations or charges called on Puntland authorities to retract any false allegations or charges against Suweys. He warned that the actions being taken against her resemble authoritarian practices and called on the public to reject injustice and stand in solidarity with independent journalists.
“If Suweys is subjected to injustice today, the same fate could await anyone tomorrow,” he said.
Speakers at the protest stressed that independent journalism is essential for public accountability and democratic participation. They urged citizens to speak out in support of media freedom, warning that without independent journalists, society cannot expect balanced, impartial, and credible information.
The demonstration comes amid growing concern over the shrinking space for press freedom in Puntland and across Somalia. Suweys Gacayte, known for her critical reporting and street interviews highlighting public concerns, remains in detention despite calls from local media rights organizations for her release.
The Somali Media Women Association (SOMWA) has previously documented the increasing targeting of women journalists in Somalia. In its recent reports, including The State of Women’s Media Freedom in Somalia, SOMWA highlighted recurring patterns of arrests, intimidation, harassment, and abuse of power directed at women journalists. Suweys Gacayte has been featured in the report over the past two years as one of several women journalists facing repeated violations linked to their professional work.
SOMWA reiterates its call for the immediate and unconditional release of Suweys Gacayte and urges Puntland authorities to respect press freedom, uphold due process, and end all forms of harassment against journalists.
