Justice Abroad’s Michael Polak acting in Case of British Journalist Busharo Detained in Somaliland for her Journalistic Work

Justice Abroad’s Director Michael Polak is acting in the case of  Busharo Ali Mohamed (popularly known as Busharo Baanday) a popular journalist who was arrested, tortured, and detained by Somaliland authorities on 15 May 2023.

The British national remains in detention and it is understood that the actions taken against her relate to her professional work covering Somaliland’s democratic problems and follow her description of the Somaliland leader as “autocratic”.  Busharo reports on Somaliland politics and posts critical commentary on her Facebook page,

It has been reported that Busharo was arrested after crossing the border from Ethiopia to Somaliland and that she was kicked and slapped during her arrest causing injuries to her face and leg. At a hearing on Sunday 9 July 2023 legal arguments were made about the charges, some of which Busharo faces with other journalists, and the judge reserved his judgment to a later date. Busharo, remains in custody and it is unclear when the proceedings will finish. She remains determined to fight the charges against her.

Michael Polak has stated:

Busharo bravely reports news from Somaliland including that which is critical of the authorities. It has long been recognised that a free press is essential for development and the Somaliland authorities are doing a disservice to the people there through Busharo’s arrest, mistreatment, and continued detention.

We call on the authorities to end their persecution of Busharo for her for her work as a journalist, to drop all charges, and to launch an investigation into the physical abuse she suffered upon her arrest.

On social media we will be using the hashtag #FreeBusharo

Media requests for interviews with Michael Polak can be accommodated in any language requested and should be made by contacting Justice Abroad by email at contact@JusticeAbroad.co.uk or phone on +44 (0)203 488 2316.

Notes to Editors

Justice Abroad, www.justiceabroad.co.uk has been set up to help those trying to find their way through foreign justice systems with all the associated hurdles that presents, to represent those facing gross breaches of their human rights no matter where this takes place, and to advise and assist the victims of crimes as to how to achieve justice.

Justice Abroad, run by international lawyer Michael Polak, has assembled a team of top investigators, lawyers, and support staff to provide unparalleled support, advice, and guidance, legal, advocacy, and investigatory service for your Justice Abroad issues anywhere in the world. Michael Polak was awarded best the International Bar Association’s Outstanding Young Lawyer Award in 2021.

 The Justice Abroad team with their trusted international pool of multilingual experts, their networks, and media contacts and their well-documented determination to leave no stone unturned in the search for the truth and justice for those who have been denied it and are here to provide that much-needed support for families and individuals in their time of need.