Somali govt releases detained journalist, director
MOGADISHU (HOL) ---Somalia’s government has released a journalist and his director it arrested la week after their television station hosted a debate which discussed about a meddling by neighbouring countries in Somalia’s internal affairs.
Awil Dahir Salad, a producer of the London-based Universal TV who hosted the debate in which Somali parliamentarians criticized the government’s rule and its ‘leniency’ towards ‘intrusive’ politics by neighbouring countries and Abdullahi Hersi, the television’s bureau director were released after six days detention on Wednesday.
Somalia’s government has accused the arrested journalists of inciting violence through their coverage, however, Journalists’ watchdogs accused the government of violating freedom of speech by arresting the journalists, an action which they said constitutes a flagrant violation of freedom of information.
“We were treated very well during our detention, thanks to everyone who helped us to regain our freedom.” said Awil Dahir after his release.
Somalia’s information minister Mohamed Abdi Hayir has urged journalists to avoid public incitement during their coverage which he say may encourage political instability in the country.
Besides Syria, Somalia is one of the most dangerous places media workers operate. Dozens of journalists have been killed in the past few years, forcing many to flee the horn of Africa nation where political parties vying for Somali politics, government and militants are often blamed for journalists’ deaths.
Very few perpetrators have been so far been charged with the cold-blood murders which sent shockwaves across media industry.