On 1 October 2026, the Maroodi Jeex Regional Court in Hargeisa began proceedings against Somaliland journalist Abdiqani Hussein Abokor, widely known as Baylood, and poet Ismail Yusuf Abdi, known as Jiheeye. According to the Somali Journalists Syndicate (SJS), the two men faced charges relating to publishing or disseminating false information, inciting the public, and conspiracy to commit a crime. Both reportedly remained in custody as the proceedings began.
The case follows Baylood’s interview with Jiheeye, during which the poet recited a poem criticising Somaliland President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdillahi (Irro) and raising concerns about reported evictions of families from land in Hargeisa. Baylood was arrested in late August after responding to a summons from the Criminal Investigation Department, while Jiheeye had reportedly been arrested shortly before him.
The Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) and Reporters Without Borders (RSF) have raised concerns about the detention and called for Baylood’s release. The case raises concerns about freedom of expression, media independence, due process and the ability of journalists, artists and citizens to criticise public authorities without fear of detention or prosecution.