Somalia: Govt Forces Raid Private TV, Arrest Two Journalists
By MISNA
The Somali National Security and Intelligence Agency (NISA) raided the offices of the Universal TV, suspending broadcasting and arresting two journalists. The National Union of Somali Journalists (NUSOJ) condemned what it defined “a blatant act of violation against the press freedom and freedom of expression” and unlawful “pressures by the authorities”, calling for the immediate release of the colleagues.
According to the Somali media, the TV – which is headquartered in London – last week hosted a debate, in which two parliament members declared that Somalia “is not a sovereign nation”.
Awil Dahir Salad and Abdullahi Kulmiye Hersi, respectively an anchorman and the TV’s East Africa Director, are currently detained at the intelligence headquarters in Mogadishu.
Despite recent positive political developments and a reduction of violence in the cities, Somalia remains among the most dangerous countries in the world for journalists. According to Reporters Sans Frontieres (RSF), more than 30 have been killed since 2007.
