Somalia: Freelance Reporter sentenced to three years in Puntland
SOCFEX condemns the arbitrary detention of Jama Ayanle Fayte, freelance reporter of Lasqorey website and the subsequent sentencing to two years today by the regional court of Puntland. A regional court in semi autonomous state of Puntland has sentenced Mr. Jama Ayanle Fayte of Lasqorey.net – a Somali news website after has been accused of publishing unfounded reports that the authorities deemed as false. The interior minister pressed the charges against Mr. Fayte who appeared the court without defense lawyer.
SOCFEX PRESS RELEASE
30 March, 2009
PRESS RELEASE: Freelance Reporter sentenced to three years in Puntland
SOCFEX condemns the arbitral detention of Jama Ayanle Fayte, freelance reporter of Lasqorey website and the subsequent sentencing to two years today by the regional court of Puntland.
A regional court in semi autonomous state of Puntland has sentenced Mr. Jama Ayanle Fayte of Lasqorey.net – a Somali news website after has been accused of publishing unfounded reports that the authorities deemed as false. The interior minister pressed the charges against Mr. Fayte who appeared the court without defense lawyer.
Mr. Fayte denied the charges but said other reporters could have published the alleged reports on lasqorey.net website without his knowledge.
The SOCFEX is calling the Puntland authority to take concrete and effective action to investigate the case of Mr. Fayte.
We strongly insist on the authorities to respect his rights under the law and ensure that he receives fair trial