Dhulmar has reportedly been detained for over 10 days at the city’s central police station, causing alarm among local and international media entities. The situation intensified recently when images shared on social media surfaced showing the journalist with his legs restrained while in custody.
Multiple Somali media outlets have condemned both the arrest and treatment of Dhulmar, labeling it an infringement upon press freedom and human rights.
Khadar Mohamed Farah, the Police Chief of the Sool region under the North-East administration, verified the authenticity of the photographs. He disclosed that officers present when the images were captured have been apprehended, and an investigation has been initiated to discover how the photos were obtained and publicly disseminated.
“We are conducting a comprehensive examination of the incident’s circumstances,” Farah stated, highlighting accountability within the police department.
Concurrently, parliament members from the North-East administration have denounced the arrest, characterizing it as illegal and representative of expanding limitations on civil liberties. They cautioned that such measures threaten to erode freedom of expression, a constitutional right.
The incident has amplified discussions regarding press freedom in the area, with proponents demanding that authorities safeguard journalists and maintain legal standards.