Independent Radio station closed, three journalists detained

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.

About Daud Abdi Daud

I am the Executive Durector of Somali Journalists Rights Agency (SOJRA).