HARGEISA, Somaliland (HornPost) The Somaliland Journalists Association (SOLJA) has condemned the detention of Horn Cable TV (HCTV) journalist Abdirahman Cige, who was arrested in Hargeisa on Oct. 22 over a television interview with a Somali politician who said he was running for president of Somalia.
According to the information provided, the interview featured the politician during a visit to Hargeisa. The dispute reportedly concerns the interview and the failure to disclose the visit before it took place.
Cige was brought before the Maroodi Jeex Regional Court, which ordered him held on remand for seven days, SOLJA said in a statement.
The journalists’ association expressed serious concern over the detention, urging security agencies and judicial authorities to respect press freedom, freedom of expression and journalists’ legal rights.
SOLJA said Cige’s arrest came amid growing concerns about the treatment of journalists in Somaliland. The association reported that he was the second journalist detained within a week and that his arrest brought the number of journalists detained in 2026 to 12, according to its records.
SOLJA Calls for Journalists’ Release
In a separate statement, SOLJA raised concerns over the continued detention of Cige and journalist Cabdiqani Baylood, who has been held since Aug. 29, 2026.
The association called for the immediate release of both journalists and urged the relevant authorities to ensure that any allegations against media workers are handled through lawful and fair judicial procedures.
SOLJA warned against the use of detention, intimidation or pressure to restrict journalistic work, stressing that press freedom is essential to democracy, public accountability and good governance.
The association said it would continue monitoring Cige’s case and advocating for the protection of journalists and an environment in which media outlets can operate independently and safely.
HornPost will seek comment from the relevant authorities regarding the reasons for the detention and the court proceedings.
