Garowe (SD) – The Puntland military court on Saturday began hearing the case of journalist Kilwe Adan Farah, detained in Garowe for more than 60 days.

Puntland’s military court has indicted Kilwe under Articles 321,328,371, and 219 or spreading false information leading to public disruption, a crime against the state and contempt for the government.

The allegations against the journalist are based on the outdated 1964 Somali Penal Code which is being used to punish and prosecute Somali journalists all-over the country.

On January 11, 2021, a Puntland military court charged Kilwe with “attempted murder and murder” but the previous charges were upgraded.

It is unknown at this time why he alone was arrested, while covering demonstrations against inflation.

Local human rights activists appealed to Puntland authorities to release the journalist.

Puntland journalists have recently come under pressure from the regional state authorities.