Somalia: Puntland Govt sues FM station for lavish slur
GAROWE, Somalia, August 12, 2015 (Garowe Online)-Puntland Government in northern Somalia sued FM radio station for faulting official parades on the state’s founding day on August 1, on shortage of funds and lavish spending at the State House, Garowe Online has learned.
A letter dated July 29, 2014 and seen by Garowe Online asks Puntland Attorney General to take action against Radio Sahan which broadcasts daily on FM station in the state capital of Garowe.
Information Minister, Mohamud Hassan So’adde has accused Radio Sahan of spreading invective news alleging that the government failed to hold colorful celebrations due to financial shortfalls.
“The ministry files lawsuit against Radio Sahan after they published something that could amount to slander on their website,” read a letter sent to Attorney General.
Radio Sahan allegedly wrote that state funds are squandered on the day-to-day activities at Puntland State House and the hiring of Somali artists for celebrations marking August 1, the date on which Puntland was established.
Moreover, Information Ministry blasted Radio Sahan for writing about possible Al Shabaab attacks.
Puntland Media Fraternity hired lawyers to appear before the court alongside the management of private broadcaster.
GAROWE ONLINE