​Somalia: Puntland shuts down Universal TV for “threatening peace"

GAROWE, Puntland- The state authority of semi-autonomous region of Puntland has closed the office of London-based Universal TV from working in Puntland, Garowe Online reports.

According to a statement released by the Deputy Minister of Information Nur Yusuf Ahmed, Universal TV's bureau in Puntland region was suspended for airing false reports that "threatens peace and stability” of the region.

The ban came after it has broadcasted an entertainment program on Saturday night criticizing Puntland President Abdiwali Mohamed Ali “Gaas” frequent foreign trips and how it misled the public on believing it intended to encourage investment and development projects for Puntland.

However, the move was widely slammed and termed as blatant act against the press and freedom of speech in the region. President Ali who lived in U.S. for many years and worked as lecturer in Universities is believed to have zero tolerance policy against free press in Puntland region.

Since taking office in 2014, Puntland administration has stepped up crackdown on independent media and closed a number of radio stations, and arrested local journalists with no charges and trials in the court.

Previously former Minister of Information has made huge controversy when he threatened to use “bullets” against journalists for reporting rebellious elements in Puntland, but later resigned from his post end of last year.   

GAROWEONLINE