Waddani party criticizes the illegal fine on CBA TV, urged the judiciary branch to come out from hiding

Somaliland’s Waddani party has complained to the government of Somaliland on imposing a $10,000 illegal fine on CBA TV, the only and first bilingual privately owned Television in Somaliland and Somalia. The party reveals this paves way for the government to target other private media houses if not reacted right away by the judiciary branch.

The Secretary of justice affairs for Waddani party Yonis Ahmed Yonis stated that the illegal fines against the private media is an attempt to threaten the media freedom by the current administration and alleged their aim is to make the media a government’s mouthpiece.

He cautioned this is a sign that Somaliland’s media freedom is in dark days and many other media houses could face similar threats. However, Yonis Ahmed Yonis lambasted the judiciary branch for not taking its role to protect justice and defend freedom of speech.

He asked them to come out from hiding and speak of the increasing suppression against the media and individuals. The official also put all the blame on President Muse Bihi for orchestrating the orders to oppress the media from his office and the presidency. Yonis did not provide further details to support the criticism against President Bihi.

CBA TV officially started operating in major towns of Somaliland after 34 days of illegal suspension. The management of the TV announced on Tuesday in Hargeisa.