GAROWE, Somalia – The Somali Media Women Association (SOMWA) strongly condemns the arbitrary arrest of journalist Suweys Gacayte, who was detained today in Garowe by Puntland security forces.
According to information received by SOMWA, Ms. Gacayte, one of the courageous women journalists working in Puntland, was taken to Garowe Central Prison, a facility primarily used to detain individuals accused of serious criminal offenses.
As of the time of this statement, Puntland authorities have not publicly disclosed the reason for her arrest. The lack of transparency surrounding her detention raises serious concerns and appears to be part of a broader pattern of intimidation aimed at silencing journalists and restricting press freedom in Puntland.
Maryan Seylac, Executive Director of the Somali Media Women Association (SOMWA), said:
 “The arbitrary arrest of journalist Suweys Gacayte is a direct attack on press freedom and the safety of women journalists in Somalia. We call on the Puntland authorities to immediately and unconditionally release her, disclose the legal basis for her detention, and uphold their obligations to protect freedom of expression and the rights of journalists.”
SOMWA urges the Puntland authorities to respect national and international human rights standards, ensure the safety of all journalists, and end the harassment and intimidation of media professionals carrying out their legitimate work.
