Detained. Cameras seized. Videos erased. One journalist forced to apologize on camera. Press freedom in Lasanod under pressure.
Police in Lasanod have detained two journalists, confiscated equipment and forced the deletion of published content, prompting sharp condemnation from the Somali Journalists Syndicate (SJS).
On February 21, officers detained Raxanreeb Media reporter Abdirisaq Abdirahman, known as Kobciye, after his outlet aired a video in which construction laborers complained about low wages and alleged that foreign workers were undercutting local jobs.
According to Kobciye and Raxanreeb founder Farah Atto, police trailed the journalist, raided his office in central Lasanod and seized three cameras and two laptops. Officers later went to his home and allegedly harassed family members.
After spending three days in hiding, Kobciye was taken to a police station where, he said, he was forced to delete the video from Raxanreeb’s Facebook platform and record an apology message. The video was later posted on a page linked to police authorities.
Kobciye told SJS he was coerced into making the recording and informed he would not be released unless he complied.
On the same day, Halbeeg Media journalist Mowliid Ismaaciil was briefly detained after filming protests against an alleged forced eviction tied to the city’s mayor. He was released after two hours, and his footage was deleted.
SJS Secretary General Abdalle Ahmed Mumin described the incidents as “blatant violations of press freedom,” accusing authorities of abusing their power to silence reporting on matters of public interest.
The media rights group called on local authorities to return confiscated equipment, halt interference with journalists’ work and hold responsible officials accountable.
The detentions come amid heightened political tensions in the region, raising renewed concerns over the safety and independence of journalists operating in Lasanod.
