On 28 May 2026, freelance journalist Kadar Mohamed Abdi (Tarabi) was arrested by the State Police Authority in Kalabaydh town, Sool region, following a Facebook post reporting on the public visit of a minister of Justice of Puntalnd state to the town. The publication concerned a matter of public interest and formed part of routine journalistic work.

The arrest took place inside a mosque where the journalist was preparing to perform the Dhuhr prayer. Police officers removed the journalist from the mosque, while handcuffed and transported him to Kalabaydh Police Station. Later the same day, he was transferred to Sayidka Prison in Las Anod district. No formal charges were presented during the detention, nor was the case brought before a court. After five days in custody, the state Criminal Investigation Department (CID) reviewed the case and determined that no criminal case existed.

Despite the CID’s findings, detention continued until 2 June 2026, when journalist release was granted. Upon release, Northeastern State Authorities forcibly transferred the journalist to Garowe and informed him that he was not permitted to remain in Las Anod because of his journalistic reporting. The detention recorded without charge, absence of judicial proceedings and subsequent forced relocation raise serious concerns regarding press freedom and restrictions on independent journalism in Northeast state of Somalia.