Press Releases
Somalia: Radio Shabelle under Oppression
By
Nov 12, 2007 - 5:15:43 AM

Somali Human Rights Defenders Network is condemning the  closure of Radio Shabelle at 11:35 AM this morning when TFG forces that were heavily armed with machine guns entered the radio station and ordered to shut down the radio and  told   the journalists to leave away and go to their homes after intimidations. The Acting manager of the Shabelle radio station Mr. Jafar Kukay  and the head of the news Mr. Abdirahnman Al- Adala was arrested   from the radio station  but later released soon according to a Shabelle journalist.

"The reason behind the closure of the Shabelle Radio is not yet known and we were told to obey the orders from the government with out indicating any duration."   Shabelle Journalist added, " It is the 8th  time to meet with such incidences and that is why our colleagues fled away from the country. Our live is in danger and death threats and intimidations are becoming the daily routine events we expect." Concluded the Shabelle Journalist

"SOHRIDEN denounces these continuous harassment and suppressing the freedom of expression .The killing and the harassment of journalists are indications showing how the   conditions facing journalists in Somalia are worsening . Atrocities and power abusing from the existing authorities in Somalia benefiting from chaos and lawlessness makes the exercise of free journalism almost impossible.

Most of the people believe that because of its fast dissemination of news and publishing the photographs in their websites what  all concerning the current situation of the  country have what been triggered the government  officials to shut down the radio station.

 We demand the TFG to take measurable actions according to international law and TFG charter as well as the local civilian law which the freedom of expression and freedom of media is expressed   and articulated. If there is no legal evidences to the closure of Shabelle radio the TFG should lift its ban "" said the Focal point for  East and horn of Africa human Rights Defenders Network, Ahmed Kiimiko

We call the TFG officers not to lead and encourage those remaining courageous Journalist in the country to join the other   refugee journalist suffering in Nairobi" Concluded Ahmed Kiimiko.