I strongly condemn the detention and charges brought against journalist Suways Jama Mohamud, widely known as Suways Gacayte, an independent journalist based in Garowe, Puntland.
As Yusuf Abdi Shire, an independent Somali journalist and advocate for freedom of expression and a free and independent press, I believe that arresting journalists because of critical reporting or commentary is deeply troubling and poses a serious threat to press freedom and the public’s right to information.
Suways Gacayte was arrested by Puntland police on July 2, 2026, and has remained detained at Garowe Central Prison. On July 13, she appeared before the Garowe First Instance Court, where prosecutors brought charges including public incitement, defamation, dissemination of propaganda, and spreading content said to violate journalistic ethics. According to the Somali Journalists Syndicate (SJS), no evidence was presented in court at that hearing.
Her defense lawyers argued that she was arrested because of her critical journalism and maintained that such reporting should not constitute a criminal offense. They also requested that any media-related complaint be handled through the appropriate media mechanisms.
Suways is the founder of Suways Media, an online platform known for street interviews and reporting that often includes public criticism of local officials. SJS has also documented previous incidents in which she faced harassment, intimidation, detention, and pressure related to her journalistic work.
Journalism is not a crime. Criticizing government institutions and public officials is an essential part of journalism, public accountability, and freedom of expression.
I call on the Puntland authorities to respect Suways Gacayte’s rights and to release her immediately if there is no credible evidence of a genuine criminal offense independent of her journalistic work. I also urge the authorities to end intimidation, harassment, and retaliation against journalists carrying out their professional duties.
Journalists must be able to report the news, question public officials, and cover matters of public interest without fear of arrest, intimidation, or retaliation.
Yusuf Abdi Shire
Independent Journalist & Advocate for Freedom of Expression and Independent Press
Source: Somali Journalists Syndicate (SJS), July 13, 2026
