Somalia: Media fraternity decries controversial media bill

GAROWE, Somalia, December 30, 2015 (Garowe Online)-Media Association of Puntland (MAP) chairman Faisal Khalif Barre has decried newly passed media bill as ‘muzzling’ amid growing press outcry, Garowe Online reports.

Speaking on Puntland-based independent station, Radio Garowe, during Wednesday interview, Barre said that the new media bill vests government with more power.

“It means the Information committee is appointed and dissolved by the president against [the wishes of staunch stakeholders],” Puntland media fraternity head noted, adding that every press professional might react to its passage in a different manner.

He further stressed that a minimum qualification of university degree turns out to be far more restive in the country’s shattered media industry.

--In-depth consultation  

Meanwhile in Mogadishu, Information Minister Mohamed Abdi Hayir Mareye hailed the passing by parliament of the country’s media bill, expected to be signed into law by President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud.

“I thank Somalia parliament, especially parliamentary sub-committee on information for propping up the bill from cabinet approval through parliamentary passage,” Information Minister told a group of reporters in Mogadishu.

He argued that the bill went through most major stages including in depth consultations with all media stakeholders for nine years.

He defended clause as a law that defends freedom of media and right to free speech.

GAROWE ONLINE