Hiiraan Online
Thursday, October 29, 2015
BOSSASO (HOL) – The government of the semiautonomous region of Puntland has barred Voice Of America Somali Service from operating its territory, accusing the radio of producing negative reports that instigated instability in the region.
In a letter signed by Puntland’s information Mohamud Hassan Soadle Thursday, the government said the radio has engaged in spreading ‘baseless’ reports which it said has led to the suspension of the radio’s reporting.
The minister has also instructed local radio stations that relay VOA’s news broadcasts to cease it, and ordered police departments to implement the suspension.
VOA Somali Service hasn’t so far commented on the development which has drawn condemnations from media organizations in Somalia.
Media watchdogs often accuse Puntland officials of affronting press freedom in the region by arresting journalists and closing down media stations as journalists often claim censorship and intimidations by officials, an action which they said constitutes a flagrant violation of freedom of information.
According a new CPJ report, Somalia is the most dangerous places media workers operate. Dozens of journalists have been killed in the past few years, forcing many to flee the horn of Africa nation where political parties vying for Somali politics, government and militants are often blamed for journalists’ deaths.
CPJ says 30 journalists have been killed with impunity in the last 10 years alone.
Very few perpetrators have been so far been charged with the cold-blood murders which sent shockwaves across media industry.