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Freedom of Speech Under Attack in
Somaliland
Hargeysa, June 11, 2014 (Haatuf) - The Somaliland Society
of Independent Journalists and Writers (SSJW) is deeply concerned about
the Somaliland government’s submission to parliament of a new press law
that if adopted would severely strict freedom of expression.
The draft legislation introduces new press-related crimes, including
libel and prison sentences for journalists who violate its provisions.
The administration of president Silanyo wants the existing liberal
Somaliland press law to be replaced by the new restrictive regulations
which were regrettably formulated with donor assistance that was
channeled through SONSAF.
We urge the parliament to reject this new draft press law which if
passed would place undue restrictions on the work of journalists and be
used to prevent them from exercising their right of freedom of
expression.
The SSJW also voices it’s grave concerns over a draft anti-terrorism law
currently before the Somaliland.
Parliament that could be used to enormously undermine freedom of the
press. Under this anti-terrorism legislation, journalists would be
restricted to report on anything that relates to state and public
security and another range of issues important to the Somaliland people.
Again this piece of anti-terror legislation was designed with the aid of
external assistance.
We believe that any legislative counter-terrorism measures should be
embedded in a framework that protects human rights and freedom of
expression in line with international law.
SSJW urges the Somaliland parliament to vote down the draft
anti-terrorism law which in its current form violates the basic human
rights of Somaliland citizens and could be used as a pretext for
stifling freedom of the press.
Under the current Silanyo administration, Somaliland journalists have
been subjected to harassment, physical abuse, intimidation, arbitrary
current and show trails amounting to political retribution.
The 3 newspapers of Hubaal, Haatuf and Somaliland Times have now been
closed for months for essentially reporting on corruption allegedly by
the minister of Minerals, Hussein Abdi Duale a.k.a Hussein Osman Farah,
and for exposing the increasingly influential role usurped and played by
Bashe Awil, the president’s son-in-law, in the highest levels of
decision-making in government.
The on-going trial of Haatuf Media Network’s chairman, Yusuf Gabobe, and
the outlet’s editor, Ahmed Egeh, for defaming 2 ministers and the
president’s son-in-law is yet another shocking example of the Sillanyo
government’s intolerance of freedom of expression.
The fact that Basha Awil, a self-styled businessman, is among the 3
plaintiffs being represented by government lawyers in the defamation
case against Haatuf journalists, makes a mockery of justice and fair
court proceedings.
The SSJW calls on the Somaliland government to reconsider its unlawful
decision to close down Hubaal, Haatuf and the Somaliland Times and allow
the 3 newspapers resume publication without any conditions attached.
The journalist community is urging donors to meet their international
obligations in urgently coming to the support of the freedom of
expression being under attack in Somaliland and to refrain from actions
that could undermine freedom of the press. We need actions not talk.
Email: haatufnews@hotmail.com
Tel : 528015/0634195475/0634429559
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