On 29 August 2026, journalist Abdiqani Hussein Abokor, a journalist with Heegan TV, was arrested by the Somaliland Police Officers after responding to a summons at the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) headquarters in Hargeisa, Somaliland. According to information received by the National Union of Somali Journalists (NUSOJ), he was informed that his detention was related to a video he had recorded involving poet Ismail Yusuf Abdi (Jiheeye), who was also detained. At around 11:00 a.m. the same day, Abdiqani was placed under seven days’ detention and later transferred to Hargeisa Central Prison.
The journalist was accused under Articles 215 and 220 of the Penal Code in connection with the video he recorded involving the poet. The video was part of his journalistic work, and the allegations against him appear to be directly connected to the recording and publication of the material. He was reportedly arrested and detained without a judicial warrant or a clearly established legal process. His arrest and continued detention therefore raise concerns regarding due process, the legality of his detention and respect for press freedom.
As of today, Abdiqani Hussein Abokor remains in custody at Hargeisa Central Prison, despite the expiry of his initial seven-day detention period. According to the information available, he has not had a further court appearance or been provided with a clear judicial process. Journalists should not be arrested or detained for carrying out legitimate journalistic work, and any allegation against a journalist should be addressed through a lawful, transparent and fair judicial process, with full respect for the journalist’s rights.