NUSOJ has issued a report on the freedom of expression situation, highlighting unexposed cases of media freedom violations.
(NUSOJ/IFEX) – 22 September 2009 – The National Union of Somali Journalists (NUSOJ) today makes public its report on the state of freedom of expression, as well as unexposed cases of violations of media freedom in Somaliland.
The report, which is titled “Media Freedom Kept within Bounds”, unearths evidence-based information from journalists and media managers who recounted unrestrained and vituperative attacks on journalists and media houses.
The media professionals signify that Somaliland authorities are responsible for outrages and structural suppression against media. Opposition political parties enmeshed some of the problems that the media in Somaliland is currently facing due to their warped relations with the press, according to journalists, civil society and politicians.
The report uncovers that the judicial authorities of Somaliland are not held blameless for the attacks against media because the media community sees an authority used to legitimize denial of freedom of expression.
Tribal elders also play a displeasing role (. . . ). Some of them are unacquainted with press freedom and are ill-informed about allegations against journalists, according to the report.
“The report exposes a presaging situation of the press in Somaliland. It depicts ferociously hostile attacks on the media. Somaliland authorities are exerting constricted control over the print media and are impeding efforts to establish independent broadcast media to disseminate unfiltered news to the people,” said Omar Faruk Osman, NUSOJ Secretary General.
“Somaliland authorities must reverse its undemocratic and damnable actions against the private media,” he added.
