The National Union of Somali Journalists (NUSOJ) has today strongly condemned the arrest and detention of two journalists in southern regions of Somalia by the Al-Shabaab group.

“The continued arrests and detention of our members by the Al-Shabaab group has reached an alarming proportion and we condemn such acts in the strongest terms possible,” said Omar Faruk Osman, NUSOJ Secretary-General.

Two journalists working from the southern regions of Juba and Gedo regions were on Tuesday, 16 March 2010, arrested separately by the Al-Shabaab group in Kismayo and Baladhawo.

Mohamed Salad Abdulle, working for Somali Broadcasting Corporation (SBC) and also Markabley radio as a stringer in Kismayo was arrested by the Al-Shabaab group in Kismayo at around 9:00am local time on 16 March 2010. He is being held at Kismayo police station, according to Jubba Journalists Association (JIJA), an associate of NUSOJ.

On the same day, the Al-Shabaab group in Baladhawo town, also in southern Somalia, took the custody of Mohamed Abdikarim, a correspondent with Hornafrik and Markabley radio stations, JIJA added. After arresting the journalists, the Al-Shabaab further promised to take some unspecified action against the Markabley radio.

On 21 February 2010, Ali Yusuf Adan, a correspondent with Radio Somaliweyn for Lower Shabelle region, was arrested by the Al-Shabaab in the region and was later transferred to a prison in Merca town, the headquarters of Lower Shabelle region.

His captors did not disclose the reason behind his arrest.

“Al-Shabaab group takes journalists and their work for granted. We therefore find their action deplorable and totally unacceptable. We demand for the immediate and unconditional release of these three journalists,” Omar added.