Speaking to reporters at Guled Hotel in Hargeisa shortly after his release, Abdimalik Oldoon, a freelance journalist, said that Somaliland president pardoned him.

"I thank to Allah. I thank all the individuals and organizations who had participated in getting my freedom back” Mr. Oldon said.

Somali Media Association (SOMA) is glad to hear the news that journalist Abdimalik has been freed and urge Somali authorities in Mogadishu to release Radio Hiigsi editor who is the only journalist currently imprisoned since March 7.


"We are happy to hear the release of Abdimalik Muse Oldon from the Hargeisa prison” Mohamed Abduwahab, SOMA Secretary General said. "Arresting journalists while practicing their fundamental rights constitutes a human rights violations.”

Somaliland court sentenced Abdimalik Oldon three and half years last July. His release follows Somali media fraternity's call to unconditionally free journalist Oldon during World Press Freedom Day on May 3 held in Mogadishu.

Meanwhile, Somali government is holding Radio Hiigsi Editor, Mohamed Abdiwahab Nur (Abuuja) for the third month incommunicado detention. SOMA calls for the Somali government to release unconditionally or allow him to have access to a court and a lawyer.


SOMA is an association under which at least 30 media houses based in Puntland, Galmudug , Hirshabelle, Banadir, Jubaland and South West of Somalia are united