Radio Banadir Reporter Dabaan Arrested trying to leave Somalia

4 January 2008

Somali security forces jailed a radio reporter at Adan Adde International Airport in the capital Mogadishu on Friday, sources said.

Mohamed Shidane Dabaan, a reporter for the independent FM Radio Banadir, was arrested by members of the country's intelligence unit as he tried to travel abroad.

The senior arresting officer whose name was shortened to Askar declined to give reason for reporter Dabaan's arrest.

Dabaan also worked part-time for the information department of the Banadir Regional Government, headed by Mogadishu Mayor Mohamed "Dheere" Omar.
Banadir government officials have not spoken about Mr. Dabaan's arrest but this is the latest example of press freedom violations in Somalia.

The country is considered one of the most dangerous nations in the world for the independent press. In 2007, eight media persons were killed in different parts of the country, according to press watchdog groups.

In Somalia's northern Puntland region, independent journalist Awale Jama Salad has been held in jail without charge since December 23.

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