“The Islamic administration” under Al-Shabaab in Bay and Bakool regions accused the journalist of reporting “false news” about “increasing roadblocks in the Bay region”, according to Radio Shabelle and journalists in Baidoa. Al-Shabaab reportedly called the journalist about news report he made in the same day before arriving at his home. The Al-Shabaab forces arresting him reportedly also conditioned his release on revealing where he got the information about the roadblocks from. Al-Shabaab claimed that no roadblocks exist in the areas they
control. 

“We call upon Al-Shabaab to end all intimidation and harassment against the news media in southwestern regions and to release Muhyadin Hassan Mohammed immediately,” said Omar Faruk Osman, NUSOJ’s Secretary General, right. “Targeting journalists serves to conceal information that should be open from the public and will only increase suspicions and lack of confidence within the public about the authorities”.

Muhyadin Hassan Mohammed is being held at Baidoa Central Police Station and negotiations concerning his release continue.