By Mohamud Tani

I condemn the act of putting Journalists in prison. Even in unfortunate Somalia, journalists do not go to prison. One might say that they have no Government, and therefore they have no prison-system. However governments that put journalists to prison do not qualify to be called 'Government'. Thomas Jefferson said" If I were given the choice between a country without Newspapers, and Newspapers without a country I would choose the latter".

Prison system is for the law-breakers and thieves. Journalists do not qualify for that. Even if they deliberately tell a lie. One can only sue them for libel. The maximum punishment of the Media outlets is a fine. Any other punishment would just be immoral and indefensible.

I was not expecting this drastic action from the present Administration. An action like this would fall in line with KULMIYE gangsterism, rather than a peaceful UDUB Government that is widely criticized for turning the other cheek whenever they are attacked either from Puntland or Djibouti.

I am dump founded! Why this outrageous reaction against one of our best! Is not Mr Yusuf Gabobe the guy who confronted Tony Blair with the question of Somaliland and its right for recognition? Is not he the one who gate crashed into the African Union summit meeting in Khartoum and single handedly lobbied for Somaliland among the African leaders? Is he not the journalist who went to see all the way to Nelson Mandela for the sake of Somaliland?

Well, according to me, people like yusuf Gabobe are the pillars of the nation that we are building, and they should not be harassed by the Government machinery. Incidentally, I believe this business of the government playing the role of a Media Watch-dog is totally wrong and unfair.

I would propose that a media commission just like the electoral commission be established. That commission will be take the responsibility of the national Media on its shoulders. It will be responsible for licensing Newspapers, TVs, Radios etc. They will also play the watch dog over them. Two MPs from each party could form the commission. Italy had a similar system for the RAI in the seventies if my memory is correct. I think we have to push for a neutral and independent system for the Media if we are ready to learn from incidents like this. Imagine the national elections being administered by the Ministry of Interior as in some countries! In the same light I argue that the country that we are building should not fall under those that Media control comes under the Minister of Information.

mohamudtmohamud_t@yahoo.com