Somaliland: Minister Threatens Press with Permanent Suspension

Hargeisa, Aug 19 (Somaliland.com) – Somaliland’s Minister of Information Mohamed Muse Dirie threatened the media with permanent closure of outlets today.

The minister swore by God that any media outlet he closes will never see the light of day again. He, however, added that the ban will most definitely be for a good reason.

The minister’s declaration appeared in a comment on the media coverage of the photo of President Muse Bihi meeting with cabinet ministers of the Federal Government of Somalia. He told the press to stop using the photo of the president posing with the Somalia officials.

Minister Muse Dirie has also talked about two private TV stations that were banned, but with their suspensions recently lifted. He said that the stations have failed to comply with the provisions of the agreement for lifting the ban on them.

The minister also urged foreign-owned television stations to comply with Somaliland laws and regulations on media. One of the requirements he mentioned was that all reporters of foreign outlets report to a director based in Somaliland, and not deal directly with home bureaus.

Last month, Amnesty International accused Somaliland government of increasing censorship, harassment, and persecution of government critics by shutting media houses and persecuting individuals perceived as critical of government acts and policies.

Abdillahi Hassan