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by Liban Ahmad
Wednesday, February 18, 2009
The law of defamation with respect to the internet is growing into a subcategory in and of itself, as the internet provides virtually unlimited means by which potentially defamatory material can be disseminated literally across the globe within seconds and with the potential of reaching millions of people.
- Suzanne E. White, B.A., LL.B.
Puntland president, Abdirahman Mohamud Farole, is at loggerheads with Amin Amir, Somalia's celebrated cartoonist, over a cartoon that drew attention to "alleged" printing of money under the new Puntland leadership that campaigned on a reform ticket. Mr Farole challenges Amin Amir to back his cartoon with evidence or face libel suit in Canada. Before discussing the merits of the libel suit case that president Farole wants to launch against Amin Amir, why has not the Puntland president given Amin the chance to retract assuming that Amin has a case to answer? Amin Amir's cartoon shows "a bespectacled man standing by a money-printing machine with the caption: "Money factory of Farole". The bubble quote with the cartoon reads: "There is an economic problem in Puntland but no shortage of money." Dayniile, a Somali website, reported that, in a cabinet meeting in Bosaso, Puntland president argued for government-owned money printing factory.
Do Amin Amir's cartoons reflect people's perceptions about Somali politicians or do his cartoons reflect his views politicians? Or do news stories such the Dayniile's provide material for Amin Amir's cartoons? What about if Amin Amir argues that Dayniile story influenced his cartoon on Puntland president? Although Amin Amir is exceptionally non-partisan, such a defence will give Farole's lawyers a hard time to convince a judge that the "money factory of Farole" constitutes "a statement that tends to injure the reputation of a person referred to in it."
Writing in wardheernws.com, Ismail Abdiraham Hassan says Puntland president's decision to sue Amin Amir shows his intention to muzzle the media. Is Mr Farole taking issue with the Amin Amir over the caption or bubble quote?
Amin Amir publishes in his website ( www.aminarts.com) controversial cartoons such as one on Hassan Abshir Farah, former Somali prime minister, and 2009 presidential candidate. In the cartoon, a journalist asks Hassan Abshir about his plan. "If I am appointed a prime minister this time round, I will charge each ship $ 5000.00", Hassan Abshir is made to say in the cartoon.
At the press conference in Bosaso Mr Farole had a chance to address issues raised by Amin Amir's cartoon in an unemotional manner. Mr" Farole described Amin Amir's cartoon as a political message aimed to undermine political change in Puntland," reported Garowe Online. If this quote is accurate, Mr Farole will come across as a politician keen on seeing press and cartoonists sing his praise rather than commenting on or caricaturing the foibles of politicians. Amin Amir is not a national saboteur. Why could not president Farole question Amin Amir's artistic integrity on the basis of a cartoon that alleges resumption of money printing business in Puntland? Such an attitude would not be interpreted as weakness but as a discussion from a seasoned politician who is in favour of free speech and against irresponsible journalism.
Liban Ahmad
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