Somalia Court Rules in Favor of Ex-Media Leader

MOGADISHU, Somalia-Following long-running dispute, Somalia Supreme Court on Monday issued a ruling in favor of Omar Faruk Osman who headed Union of Somali Journalists (NUSOJ) in the past, Garowe Online reports.

Osman told GO that he is pleased about the judgment of High Court, giving execution of tasks pending a green light right away.

Supreme Court declared sacking of Osman in 2011 ‘null and void’, reinstating him to his post as the Secretary General of Somali Media Fraternity.

Continuing, he decried newly drafted controversial media bill for containing clauses violating rights of media workers, and called it ‘restrictive’.

Meanwhile, current Secretary General of NUSOJ Mohamed Ibrahim Isak (Pakistan) opposed the ruling, labeling the move by High Court ‘illegal’.

Pakistan indicated that Somali journalists are preparing for gatherings in support of him.

Somali Information Ministry has not commented on the Supreme Court judgment.

Media workers in Middle Shabelle regional capital of Jowhar were quick to react to the ruling, saying NUSOJ is not run by a specific person at the expense of broader voice in media industry.

SOURCE: GAROWEONLINE