Mogadishu- 26 April, 2009:: The Somali Journalist Rights Agency (SOJRA) condemns the closure of radio Jubba in Baidoa and arrested three journalists.

Al-Shabaab forces controlling south-western regions of Somalia entered the radio and ordered the management of the radio to shut down the radio and take in to the jail the director of the radio Mukhtaar Mohamed Atoosh, the editor Mohamed Adawe Aden and Mohamed Nur.

“We condemn closure of radio Jubba and it seems track of media censor and cutting off information from the people in Baidoa. So that in respect of freedom of expression, Universal declaration of human rights law, Al-shabaab sould let independent radio stations in regions that they are controlling can broadcast freely” said Daud Abdi Daud, SOJRA Executive Director.

Somalia continues to be a treacherous place for the journalists who risk their lives to bring the story of the ongoing conflict to the world and concerning about the growing press freedom crisis and violations in Somalia particularly in the south and central region.

Somali journalist under threat and media transgression is still continuing

SOJRA welcomed the release of Somali journalist who arrested on Thursday, 26 March, 2009 and sentenced to two years in prison on 30th March 2009.

Jama Ayanle Fayte who works for Online news website called Laasqoray.net and was also member of African Media Network
http://africamedianetwork.ning.com/profile/jaamacAyaanleFeyte

“We are very pleased that our colleague Jama Ayanle Fayte was released safe and in good health,” said Daud Abdi Daud, SOJRA Executive Director.

A Somali local online journalist, Jama Ayanle Feyte was jailed in Bosaso town of Puntland has been freed with a presidential pardon on Wednesday 15th April 09.SOJRA concerned about the violation against press freedom in Somalia