Intelligence officers detain three journalists in Baidoa

Intelligence officers in Somalia’s South West state on Monday detained three journalists in the regional capital Baidoa.

Local media reported that the journalists were nabbed at the Baidoa airport while waiting to fly to the capital Mogadishu.

The reasons for the journalists’ arrest have not been disclosed as local authorities are yet to issue comment.

In a statement, the Somali Journalists Syndicate (SJS) named the journalists as Mohamed Bulbul, Hanad Ali Guled and Mohamed Bishar Barre.

The SJS said the three journalists were attached to the syndicate and were “illegally detained” as they “were travelling back to Mogadishu after completing journalists training session in Baidoa”.

The SJS called for the “unconditional release” of its staff.

Meanwhile, the International Press Institute – a global media network which advocates for press freedom – condemned the arrest of the journalists and urged the South West authorities to “immediately cease their harassment”.