According to law enforcement sources who spoke on condition of anonymity, prisoners in Hargeisa prison revolted following an objection to a prisoner who was arrested on blasphemy charges, sources add that the block where the revolt started houses mainly terrorism suspects.
Hours later government officials including the commander of Somaliland’s custodial corps spoke to the media and stated that no inmates were harmed and that some corrections officers have suffered minor injuries and that the situation has been brought under control.
Local reporters who covered the unfolding and chaotic scene were taken into custody during live streaming of the event whereas others were later arrested. Although no charges were filed against the 10 reporters from multiple media outlets, law enforcement sources stated that the reporters were either broadcasting false information or transmitting operational detail of an active law enforcement event. It is unclear what laws were broken and if charges will be brought against the reporters.
Opposition parties and the Somaliland Journalist Association have condemned the arrest of the journalist and demanded their immediate release.
This is a developing story and we will update as we know more.