Somali Journalist Abducted by NISA Released Under Gag Order

Abduqadir Mohamed Nur, known as Jakarta, a Somali journalist with Risaala Media, has been released by NISA following his abduction from his home on October 18. His release is conditional upon his silence about the circumstances of his captivity. During his detention, Jakarta faced severe interrogation tactics by NISA agents, including threats of violence. The incident highlights the pressing issue of press freedom in Somalia and the intimidation faced by journalists from state security forces.

In Mogadishu, Somalia, journalist Abduqadir Mohamed Nur, widely known as Jakarta, has been released after being abducted from his home by the National Intelligence and Security Agency (NISA) on the morning of October 18. His release comes with the stipulation that he must refrain from communicating with the media regarding his ordeal. Jakarta, affiliated with Risaala Media, was forcibly taken during a predawn raid while he was with his family. Details of the incident reveal that at approximately 3:00 a.m., two armed men entered Jakarta’s residence, restrained him in handcuffs, and transported him to a waiting vehicle, a Toyota 4WD pickup truck, where additional agents were armed with machine guns. According to reports from the Somali Journalists Syndicate (SJS), witnesses identified the intruders as NISA officers responsible for the kidnapping. During the period of his abduction, Jakarta has recounted being confined in the vehicle in handcuffs until around 6:00 a.m., where he endured threats of violence. His personal phone was seized during the incident, and he was subsequently transferred to the notorious Godka Jila’ow prison, where he faced severe interrogation tactics allegedly administered by NISA officer Mohamed Abdukadir Shakiib. It is significant to note that Shakiib is a former operative for al-Shabaab’s amniyat unit who now serves within the intelligence agency and has been linked to previous raids on journalistic offices. Abdalle Mumin, the Secretary General of SJS, condemned the treatment of Jakarta, asserting, “NISA is using former al-Shabaab operatives like Shakiib to intimidate journalists. In Jakarta’s case, they repeatedly interrogated him about Risaala’s critical coverage of the Mogadishu authorities and the administration.” The Risaala Media Corporation, recognized for its critical coverage of Somali security forces and the administration under President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, has faced a series of attacks against its staff in recent years. Following the widespread dissemination of Jakarta’s abduction news, public pressure mounted, leading to his release; however, he has been subjected to a gag order concerning any discussions about the event. Mumin has denounced this enforced silence, calling it an unacceptable tactic of intimidation, stating, “It is pure intimidation.” Mohamed Abduwahab, the General Director of Risaala Media, also condemned the unlawful actions against Jakarta, advocating for an end to such intimidating practices targeting journalists. The series of events underscores the ongoing challenges faced by journalists in Somalia, particularly concerning press freedom and threats from governmental entities.

The situation concerning journalists in Somalia has been precarious, particularly in the face of government and armed group influences that threaten freedom of expression. The National Intelligence and Security Agency (NISA) has frequently been accused of suppressing dissent and intimidating journalists. The case of Abduqadir Mohamed Nur exemplifies this trend, where independent media has been facing increasing scrutiny and aggression from state actors. Risaala Media, where Jakarta works, is known for reporting critically on the government and security forces, making its journalists particularly vulnerable to reprisal actions. The involvement of former al-Shabaab operatives within governmental structures further complicates the landscape, blurring the lines between state authority and armed extremist influence.

The abduction and subsequent release of journalist Abduqadir Mohamed Nur, under a gag order, signify the ongoing threats to press freedom in Somalia. This incident reflects a broader pattern of intimidation against journalists, particularly those who challenge state narratives. The response from journalist associations and media organizations highlights the urgent need for reform and protection for those in the media industry against governmental oppression. The demand for accountability and an end to unlawful practices against journalists remains crucial in ensuring a free press in the region.

Original Source: hornobserver.com