UCID party slams gov’t’s detention of Journalists in Somaliland

Hargeisa (Somaliland.com) – Somaliland opposition party UCID has today slammed the government for the arbitrary detention of Journalists.

In a press conference in the party HQ on Thursday, the information secretary of UCID party denounced the arbitrary detention of journalists in Somaliland and warned slipping into an authoritarian rule

The information secretary of UCID party, Yusuf Keyse, said recently the detentions of journalists have increased lately. He lamented the closure of two outlets at the same time saying it’s a first in Somaliland.

UCID party condemns the increasing detentions of journalists and regular citizens with the strongest words.

UCid party said that the increase in the detention of journalists is proof of government failure. He added that the suppression of media is not compatible with the ethos of Somaliland and values and detrimental to its image abroad.

He urged the government to respect the rule of law and to immediately release the detained journalists and to stop the harassment and suppression of media.

I am calling for the immediate release of the detained journalists. It is not good for the image of our country to have journalists detained and then released arbitrarily. It is a habit we have acquired, more so by this government. We are urging the government to let go of the journalists detained illegally, without consideration to the Press Law, and in violation of the constitution.

The remarks of the opposition official come amid a government crackdown on the independent press which saw the detention of three journalists within a week and the suspension of two media outlets.