Puntland Somalia: 20/08/2008 Somali Journalists Rights Association (SOJRA) has condemned the arresting of a freelance journalist Abdi-aziiz Saleebaan Ahmed in central prison in Garowe around 10:00 AM on Tuesday 19 August, 2008.

 The arresting of Abdi-aziiz Saleebaan Ahmed becomes after the order of Puntland vice president Hassan Dahir Mohamud "Afkura" and he accused him for covering   an election campaign of one of presidential candidates of Puntland Regional State.

 "Actually we are condemning the arrest of Abdi-aziiz and this is also unfortunately tragedy faced like our colleague Abdi-aziiz Salaad Ahmed and all Puntland journalists as well as its a  part of widespread campaign to restrict public’s right to information" said Daud Abdi Daud SOJRA's Secretary General., We are also appealing  unconditional release of Abdi-aziiz Salaad Ahmed he added.

Governor of Bari Region Muse Gelle Yusuf told local Puntland journalists on Saturday, 16 August 2008, that media is prohibited to cover or participate in campaigns for presidential elections before 1^st of November 2008 as the governor referred decree  from Puntland President.