Somalia: TV journalist arrest earns condemnation

GAROWE, Somalia, November 21, 2015 (Garowe Online)-The arrest of prominent TV journalists and host of ‘Deperani show’ has drawn fierce condemnation from parliamentarians and fellow media workers in Somalia’s northeastern state of Puntland, Garowe Online reports.

At a news conference in the capital, Garowe, three Members of Parliament--Abdihakin Dhobadired, Ali Dhega Adde and Abdi Samatar Surad--called the detention of journalist, Jama Yusuf Jama ‘illegal’.

Surad said that Puntland constitution gives due emphasis to the Freedom of Expression and Opinions, citing 2^nd, 14^th and 22th articles that stipulate supremacy of rule of law,  every person’s right to exercise freedom of speech and freedom of the media.

In solidarity with Deparani show, media workers marched, having their mouths covered white masking tapes and hoisting banners that read: “We stand with Deperani show,” a popular hashtag which went viral on social media networking sites.

Media Association of Puntland (MAP) chairman, Faisal Khalif Barre is spearheading demands to press the government on the release of detained TV journalist.

Barre believes that such moves are tantamount to severe blow to the free speech and basic human values.

Puntland Information Minister, Mohamud Hassan So’adde who is under fire for his pugnacious style has landed himself in hot water.

Jama interviewed Somalia Interior Minister on national consultative dialogues across the country, prompting for police to put him behind bars on Thursday.

GAROWE ONLINE