PRESONAL OPINION DOESN’T REQUIRE PRESS CREDENTIALS

“One doesn’t have to own a journalist certificate to express his opinion “, Martin Hill, Amnesty International.

I was visiting my family in London, UK, sometime in 1999. At time, I was the Chief of Staff at Puntland Presidency. The President, Abdullahi Yusuf, was in London too, for a medical checkup. While there, I received a phone call from Mr. Martin Hill of Amnesty International, who wanted to meet me about an urgent matter concerning Puntland. We met at Chamberland Hotel Central London one morning. He reported to me that a journalist was arrested in Bosaso, Puntland. Amnesty International wanted that journalist released immediately. I told him that I hadn’t had the information yet, but would get back to him on the matter. I found out that a local pamphlet writer by the name of Deeq from Mudugh Region, had published an article falsely accusing Puntland authorities of dumping illegal substances into the Indian Ocean. It was dangerous fake news that provoked the Governor of Bari Region to order the detention of the journalist. Having reported the incident to the State President in London, we ordered the release of the journalist pending President’s return to Puntland State.

On getting back to Martin Hill, I told him we had ordered the release of the journalist, but complained to him that Deeq is neither a qualified journalist nor an ethical one. Mr Hill’s response was profound: “One shouldn’t hold a certificate to express his/her opinion”. The story now is repeating itself. Read Amnesty Statement here:

Somalia: Authorities must end arbitrary arrests and persecution of journalists in Puntland

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