Two female journalist Nimo Muhidin and Safa Osman intimidated by the Somali police as they attempt to cover Mogadishu Protest

Between August 18-19, 2024, protests erupted in Mogadishu, triggered by the closure of the Bakaro market due to newly imposed taxes. Journalists covering the demonstrations, including Nimo Muhidin, a reporter for Somali Cable TV, and freelance journalist Safa Osman, who works for Dalsan TV, were met with harassment, detention, and violence by the Somali police. Both journalists recounted terrifying encounters with police officers while attempting to report from the protest scene. Muhidin says that a police officer cocked his pistol and held it to her head, clearly intending to intimidate her and force her to leave the area. Osman was threatened with physical violence if she continued recording the protests. Beyond the direct threats to Muhidin and Osman, Somali police detained seven other journalists covering the protests, including two reporters from Hirasho TV. Their equipment was confiscated, and they were released only after hours of detention, without charges. These actions demonstrate a clear message of intimidation — journalists must avoid the story or face serious consequences.