On 14th September, journalist Maymun Abdirizak Kalif, an experienced journalist working for the local TV station DMTV in Garowe, was forcibly removed by Puntland Police officers from the Mire Awaare Football Stadium, where a regional football match between districts of the Nugaal region was being broadcasting.

Journalist Maymuun, while carrying out her daily work, Police officer known as Captain Abdillahi Ali Wadad was removed her from the stadium by force. Captain Abdillahi he was in charge of the stadium’s security during districts football match period. The officer personally targeted journalist Maymuun, while he was shouting offensive words directed to journalist Maymun.

The personal attack on journalist Maymuun followed an interview she had conducted days earlier the incident with the Minister of Finance of Puntland, which had sparked considerable public attention. During the incident, the officer yelled, “Aren’t you the woman that put Minister of Finance in terrible public attention? Do you want to cause more trouble here?”

The targeting of journalists is becoming more common in Puntland, with journalists in recent years feeling increasingly unsafe. However, the series of actions taking place are now becoming dangerous and pose a significant threat to media freedom in Puntland.