Al Jazeera journalists arrested in Somalia on suspicion of researching for a “one-sided story” in support of radical Islamists were released on Thursday after two days under arrest, the National
Union of Somali Journalists said.
Reporter Hamza Mohamed, a cameraman, a driver and a local Journalist were detained in Mogadishu on Tuesday.
A senior intelligence source, who asked not to be named, said they were questioned about their visit to areas held by the radical Islamist group al-Shabaab.
Information Minister Mohamed Maareeye told journalists that the crew had entered Somalia without the knowledge of the government and wanted to do a one-sided story against the government in favour of al-Shabaab.
Mohamed Moalimu, secretary-general of the journalists’ union, said that they were very pleased with the release of the Al Jazeera journalists.
“We are very pleased with the release of the Al Jazeera journalists.
“But we want more explanations from the government on why those journalists were targeted,” Mr. Moalimu said.
Al Jazeera said in a statement that Hamza Mohamed has frequently travelled to Somalia over the past few years to cover politics, economics and culture “with accuracy and integrity
(dpa/NAN)
Follow Solenzo Blog on
0 Comments