MOGADISHU, Somalia Oct 24 (Garowe Online) - A member of Hizbul Islam rebel faction that is fighting to topple Somalia's interim government has threatened Somali journalists and accused them of supporting the government, Radio Garowe reports.

Sheikh Mohamed Moallim Ali, the information secretary for Hizbul Islam, told a Friday press conference in the capital Mogadishu that Somali journalists interview government officials and African Union (AMISOM) commanders.

"The news you report is against the jihad and you are not nationalists willing to defend your people and your country," Sheikh Mohamed told reporters.

He urged journalists to "defend the country by using your voice." As an example, he accused Somali news organizations in Mogadishu of "exaggerated reporting" on a story covering AMISOM compensation payments to camel owners after AMISOM peacekeepers mistakenly killed a group of camels.

"We will know what you are in the coming days," said Sheikh Mohamed. Somalia is considered Africa's most dangerous country for journalists to operate.

Source: Garowe Online