SOLJA Leaders (left), Musa Bihi 3rd Left and Information minister Abdi Yusuf RBy: Yusuf M HasanHARGEISA (Somalilandsun) – The government has been accused of persecuting journalists.
The accusation was made by Somaliland Journalists Association-SOLJA during commemorations marking the world free press day held at Mansoor hotel in Hargeisa.
The commemorations were attended by the minister of information Hon Abdi Yusuf Duale, Kulmiye party leader Mr. Musa Bihi, heads of various media houses, journalists and other invited guests.
According to the secretary general of SOLJA Mr. Mohamed Rashid M Farah the government has arrest 51 journalists within the last six months. He said that these arrests have created fears among journalists.
"We ask the government to ensure that security officials arrest only journalists who have committed a provable crime and not those on duty" said the secretary general
The chairman of SOLJA who said that freedom of the press is in its worst situation in 20 years urged the government to reverse prevalent intimidation of the fourth estate of which is perpetrated through arrests.
The minister of information Hon Abdi Yusuf Duale Boobe who conveyed a message of good wishes from the president H.E Ahmed Mahmoud Silanyo said that the government was committed to an independent media in the country.
The new information minister asked SOLJA to ensure that its members operate within the law as he endeavours to ensure that journalists are treated fairly. He also promised to avail SOLJA relevant support especially as pertains to training.
The leader of the ruling Kulmiye party said that the fourth estate plays an important role in national development, he asked local journalists to uphold the high esteem accorded them by the community through impartial reporting.
The world free Press day is commemorated worldwide annually on 3rd may
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