Hargeisa May 4, 2013 (SDN) – Somaliland journalists in the country celebrated World Press Freedom Day with an event in the capital Hargeisa on Saturday. The event was attended by Somaliland Journalists Asoociation (SOLJA) Chairman Hassan Mohamed Yusuf, media associations, women’s groups, and invited guests. SOLJA Chairman Mr. Hassan, opened the event, noting that “Hubaal attack was not intended Hubaal manager but it was an attack to the free press as a whole”. Mr. Hassan also condemned the government attacks free press in recent days and vowed that the journalists will protect themselves. Meanwhile Somaliland’s minister of information congratulated the country’s media during the auspicious occasion of world press day while justifying the dispersal of a journalist’s procession by police earlier this morning in an interview he gave to BBC Somali programme. According to the minister the police dispersed the procession organized by the Somaliland Journalists Association-SOLJA and meant to commemorate World press day because the association had not secured a permit. “The law requires that organizers of any public processions, meetings or demonstrations apply and secure licenses three days before planned activities are to take place” said the minister. On the issue of the armed attack of the Hubaal media Minister Abiib who condemned the attackers now known to be police officers said such acts which are not part of the country’s culture shall be pursued to the end thus unearth motive behind.
After The attack in which the editor of Hubaal newspaper Mr Aloley sustain a broken hand and fingers, various personalities raised a hue and cry demanding immediate action thus prompting the interior minister to acknowledge in parliament that the masked gunmen who perpetrated the attack were serving police officers. While responding to accusations by SOLJA to the effect that the current administration is anti-freedom of speech due to the 90 arrests of journalist within a span of two years, the minister who said the Somaliland is among countries where the media operates without impediments
“While the arrest have taken place though for short duration the government which respects the fourth estate has the mandate of putting a check to unethical practices” Minister Abiib Tima’ade who reiterated the government’s respect for the media said that the media houses, SOLJA and individual reporters should reciprocate since respect is two way traffic. While attributing the problems experienced by Radio Hargeisa listeners the information minister who apologized for the mishap he attributed to technical breakdown said ministry engineers are working round the clock to rectify the anomaly thus return to full transmissions immediately.
By: Eng. Abdirisak Ismail Qalinle (Itaqile)
SDN News Desk Hargeisa
