Coalition of Somali Human Rights Defenders (CSHRD) Strongly Condemns the Arbitrary Detention of Musician Khaalid Kaamil and Calls for His Immediate Release.
The Coalition of Somali Human Rights Defenders (CSHRD) strongly condemns the reported arbitrary detention of Somali musician and singer Khaalid Kaamil, who was reportedly arrested in Hargeisa on 29 June 2026 following the release of a new song expressing solidarity with the Palestinian people and criticizing the occupation of Palestinian territories. The song is in this link https://youtu.be/Sdy3VGtFHgA?is=ZpH0sIwepNrnrBQv
According to information received by CSHRD, the song includes lyrics that, when translated from Somali into English, state that “Palestine is occupied and wronged by strangers.” Reports indicate that the singer was detained shortly after the song gained public attention, raising serious concerns that his arrest was carried out in retaliation for the peaceful expression of his political views through music.
CSHRD is deeply concerned that, if these reports are accurate, the detention constitutes a violation of the fundamental right to freedom of expression, including artistic expression, as protected under international human rights law. Artists, musicians, and writers must be able to express opinions on political and humanitarian issues without fear of arrest, intimidation, or persecution.
The Arbitrarliy Detained Musician (Khalid Kamil) photo courtedy @youtube
The reported detention comes amid heightened regional debate surrounding recent reports of engagement between the authorities in Hargeisa and Israel. These developments have generated significant public discussion and differing political views within Somalia and beyond. Regardless of the political context, peaceful expression of opinions on matters of public interest must not be criminalized.
Freedom of expression is guaranteed under Article 19 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR), which protects the right to seek, receive, and impart information and ideas through any media, including artistic expression. Any restrictions on this right must be lawful, necessary, and proportionate.
CSHRD therefore calls on the authorities in Hargeisa to:
– Immediately and unconditionally release Khaalid Kaamil if he is being detained solely for the peaceful exercise of his right to freedom of expression.
– Ensure that his legal rights, personal safety, and due process guarantees are fully respected while in custody.
– Refrain from using detention or other punitive measures to silence artists, journalists, human rights defenders, and other individuals expressing peaceful political opinions.
– Uphold international human rights standards protecting freedom of expression and artistic freedom.
CSHRD further calls upon Somali civil society, regional human rights organizations, the United Nations, the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights, and the wider international community to closely monitor the case and advocate for the protection of fundamental freedoms in accordance with international human rights obligations.
Silencing artists through arbitrary detention undermines democratic values, restricts civic space, and weakens respect for human rights. Artistic expression plays a vital role in fostering dialogue on issues of public concern and must be protected rather than suppressed.
CSHRD reiterates its call for the immediate release of Khaalid Kaamil and urges all authorities to respect and protect the right to freedom of expression without discrimination or retaliation.
Artists at risk
For press contact:
Email: info@cshrds.org / news@hanahr.net