NUSOJ condemns arbitrary closure of Two TV stations in Somaliland

Mogadishu, 18, 06, 2019: National Union of Somali Journalists (NUSOJ) has strongly condemned the arbitrary closure of two private television stations in Somaliland.

ERYAL and HORYAAL 24 TVs were all shut down on Tuesday morning, 18 June, by the government of #Somaliland . The order was made by the Minister of Information. Managers of both TVs confirmed to NUSOJ that police arrived early hours of Tuesday at their stations and ordered to shut down televisions while On Live and were not even given prior notice. Somaliland Ministry of Information accuses both TVs for interfering security and sovereignty of Somaliland.

“The arbitrary closure of the television stations is a deliberate assault on freedom of expression and of the media and shows a total disregard for citizens’ fundamental right to receive information, “said NUSOJ General Secretary Mohamed Ibrahim Moalimuu. It is unacceptable that the police take over the media and threaten journalists conducting their normal work.

The National Union of Somali Journalists (NUSOJ) calls on the Somaliland Government to allow the two private television stations to resume broadcasting with immediate effect and without any form of hindrance or restrictions.

The National Union of Somali Journalists also condemns the continued arbitrary detention of Abdimalik Muse Oldon a journalist active in online platforms and often report on political and social issues in Somaliland, who was arrested on April 17 ,2019 and has remained in detention ever since.

The continuing detention of Abdimalik Muse Oldon is yet unacceptable and we demand his immediate release,” Vice President of NUSOJ Muhudin Husni said. “His arrest is a flagrant breach of international law and testify to a desire on the part of the Somaliland government to openly restrict the media’s freedom and to provide the public the information they need to know.”

The continuing media crackdown and closure of media stations and Journalists is jeopardizing press freedom and freedom of expressions which are fundamental core elements for pluralistic democracy in Somaliland.

In collaboration with concerned media groups and the International Community, NUSOJ will continue to advocate and work towards the release of the detained journalist and resumption of two TVs closed today to strengthen the protection of journalists.