MOGADISHU (Kaab TV) – The Himilo Qaran Party, an opposion group led by former president Sheikh Sharif Sheikh Ahmed, has said they are deeply concerned about the increasing restrictions and pressure faced by the Somali independent media and journalists.
The party released a statement on Sunday saying that the media and journalists have inviolable rights that are clearly protected by the Constitution but recent events against freedom of expression, the rights of journalists, and the challenges against organizations that advocate for freedom of the independent media in our country are unfortunate and unacceptable.
“The Himilo Qaran Party has documented numerous incidents against freedom of speech and the independent press, such as the illegitimate establishment of the Somali Media Council, which clearly violates the structure defined in Article 14 of the Media Law Amendment,” the statement said.
“In addition, the Himilo Qaran Party has documented the restrictions on the Somali Journalists Syndicate (SJS), a champion advocate for the media, and the repeated arrests of journalists. Such actions undermine the important role of the independent press in Somalia’s state-building and in raising civic awareness among the public.”
Call for the government
The Himilo Qaran Party said it assures all journalists and media workers in our country that they are the pillars of democracy and have a noble role in state-building efforts in our country. They deserve to carry out their duties freely. It is unacceptable to deny their constitutional rights.
“We call on the federal government agencies to cease its pressure and repression on the independent media and journalists’ associations
Finally, the Himilo Qaran Party commends and stands in solidarity with all Somali journalists who have played a vital role in the governance we enjoy today. They have worked self-sacrificingly during difficult times. We pray to Allah to reward Jannah to all those who died in the struggle for state-building and to grant a quick healing to those wounded.”