Somalia / NUSOJ warns Martial Law as an excuse to Stifle Media Freedom

 

 

 

 

Somalia / NUSOJ warns Martial Law as an excuse to Stifle Media Freedom

 

 

MOGADISHU, Somalia, August 20, 2009/African Press Organization (APO)/ — The National Union of Somali Journalists (NUSOJ) warned today the Transitional Federal Government of Somalia (TFG) not to stifle media freedom and the right of citizens to free flow of information following declaration of martial law.

 
 

Transitional Federal Parliament of Somalia (TFP) passed Wednesday, 19 August; martial law after TFG presented and requested parliamentarians to approve the law, which will be in operation for 3 months.

 
 

“Despite the fact that we support and welcome efforts to restore peace & rule of law; stabilize the country; and ensure safety of citizens, we warn TFG not to use the martial to curtail media rights. We witnessed several abuses of detention of journalists, torture of reporters, arbitrary arrests, closure of media houses and censorship, committed by TFG forces and officials when martial law was imposed in 2007,” said Omar Faruk Osman, NUSOJ Secretary General.

 
 

NUSOJ has, however, recorded lesser violations of press freedom by the TFG since election of President Sheik Sharif Sheik Ahmed and formation of Government of National Unity in comparison to other sides in the conflict.

SOURCE 

The National Union of Somali Journalists (NUSOJ)