The National Union of Somali Journalists (NUSOJ) is deeply concerned about the arrest of Radio journalist in Wanlaweyn district of lower Shabelle region on Sunday 21 February 2010.

Ali Yusuf Adan, a correspondent of Radio Somaliweyn for Lower Shabelle region, was arrested by the Al-Shabaab administration in the region and was later transferred to a prison in Merca town, headquarters of Lower Shabelle region. Al-Shabaab did not announce the motives behind the journalist’s arrest.

“Our reporter, Ali Yusuf was arrested by the Al-Shabaab administration and now he is being held in Merca town,” Abukar Hassan Kadaf, the Director of Somaliweyn radio told NUSOJ. 

The arrest follows a report filed on 20 February by the journalist about Al-Shabab militias who shot a man over prayer delay in Wanlaweyn. It is believed that this report might be behind his arrest.

“We are concerned about the safety of Ali Yusuf Adan. We demand safe return of the journalist. Al-Shabaab must stop addicts and repressive actions,” Omar Faruk Osman, NUSOJ Secretary General.

Despite censorship and addicts imposed by the Al-Shabaab that led many journalists to flee the territories under their control and still many journalists are working under these harsh conditions.