Event Summary
In early August 2025, two Somali journalists were arbitrarily arrested in Adado, Galmudug State, following their coverage of a serious child protection case involving the alleged rape and killing of an eight-year-old girl.
The two journalists, who had published details of the case based on official sources, were detained by local police shortly after the story gained public attention. Their arrest appears to have been prompted by pressure from a local government official seeking to suppress coverage of the incident. On the same day, a woman claiming to be the victim’s mother released a contradictory video statement, which was later discredited when she and other suspects were taken into police custody.
Although this is the first documented case linked directly to reporting on a child protection and GBV incident in Adado, this incident reflects growing concerns about media suppression, lack of accountability in child protection cases, and the misuse of authority to obstruct justice. It underscores the urgent need for transparent investigations and stronger safeguards for journalists reporting on issues of public interest, particularly cases involving gender-based violence and vulnerable populations.