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Nairobi,
September 26, 2009 – The International Federation of Journalists (IFJ)
on Wednesday expressed its concern over the continuous degradation of
freedom of expression in Somaliland, following the publication of a new
report by the National Union of Somali Journalists (NUSOJ), an IFJ
affiliate, on the state of freedom of expression and cases of violations
of media freedom in Somaliland.
“We are deeply concerned by what is happening in Somaliland, where
journalists face enormous difficulties to do their job safely,” declared
Gabriel Baglo, Director of IFJ Africa Office. “We urge the Somaliland
authorities to be more tolerant in their relationships with the media”
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 hold Somaliland authorities responsible for
outrageous and systematic suppression of independent reporting. The
report further blames the judiciary which it says lacks independence and
is used to legitimize denial of freedom of expression.
According to the report, the failure on the part of tribal elders to
properly appraise the meaning of press freedom has resulted in
journalists being detained on allegations of law breaking, criminality,
misconduct or malpractice.
“The report reveals the situation of the press in Somaliland. It depicts
ferocious attacks on the media. Somaliland authorities are exerting
control over the print media and are impeding efforts to establish
independent broadcast media to disseminate independent news to the
people,” said Omar Faruk Osman, NUSOJ Secretary General.
IFJ calls for Somaliland authorities to put an end to press freedom
violations and to create a more democratic environment for safe working
conditions for media in general and private media in particular.
For more information, contact +221 33 867 95 87
The IFJ represents over 600,000 journalists in 123 countries worldwide
Source: IFJ, September 23, 2009
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