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TV Journalist Acquitted After Legal Challenge by Somalian Journalists’ Union
The legal battle led by the Journalists Legal Defense Unit (JOLED) of the National Union of Somali Journalists (NUSOJ) and supported by UNESCO’s Global Media Defence Fund, demonstrated a strong collaboration between lawyers in Mogadishu and Hargeisa.
MM Somali TV, based in Hargeisa, is legally registered news organizations operating in Somaliland. A discussion on the Memorandum of Understanding between Somaliland and Ethiopia, which sparked a dispute in Somalia over maritime rights and sovereignty was hosted by the station. During the debate, intelligence forces stormed the headquarters, destroyed equipment and detained three journalists, including the CEO, Mohamed Abdi Sheikh Mohamed. While two of the journalists were released ten days later, Mohamed Abdi Sheikh Mohamed remained imprisoned.
Thirteen days later, journalist Mohamed appeared before the Armed Forces Court. JOLED lawyers argued against the illegality of trying a civilian in a military court, which should only be for military personnel.
Consequently, the case was transferred to the Civilian Court and handed over to the Criminal Investigation Department. Following several extensions and continued detention, the investigation found Mohamed innocent.
In this instance, our steadfast dedication to justice and the legal defence of media freedom has once again been proven justified. Through the meticulous work of NUSOJ’s Journalists Legal Defence Unit (JOLED), which instituted brilliant legal defence, we have triumphantly secured the release of our colleague, Mohamed Abdi Sheikh, who was wrongfully detained.
Osman said that this court victory not only benefits the journalist involved but also represents a significant achievement for media freedom and the right to information.
JOLED deployed two lawyers for the defense – one in Hargeisa is licensed to practice in Somaliland courts and one in Mogadishu who assisted in building the case and presenting arguments. This collaboration highlights the importance of establishing networks of lawyers, a key mission of the Global Media Defence Fund.
JOLED supported the journalist’s case by providing financial and logistical support, legal representation and advocacy, overseeing the investigation and raising public and international awareness.
Since 2023, NUSOJ has provided legal support to journalists with the support of the Fund, established in 2019 under the UN Plan of Action on the Safety of Journalists and the Issue of Impunity. The Global Media Defence Fund has supported over 120 projects globally, directly benefiting more than 8,000 journalists, 1,500 lawyers and 200 non-governmental organizations.
One of the key actions of the Fund is to ensure journalists’ rapid access to legal assistance, bolster their defense and enhance their safety, taking into account the gendered-specific nature of threats against them. For further examples of legal assistance supported under the fund, please refer to the news stories available on its website.
