News and Events

SJS Condemns the closure of Shabelle Radio

Somali Journalists Society (SJS) strongly criticizes the closure of Shabelle Radio station, a popular radio in the Somali Capital Mogadishu. Mr. Abdulkadir Osman, Secretary General of SJS, said in a statement that the growing hostility against journalists and media outlets hampers the freedom of expression in the country.

Officials from who paid a visit to the area where Shabelle radio is located have seen the destruction caused to the station premises and the security situation in the area. "We are urging the government to remove the soldiers near the station and publicly declare its commitment to protect the rights of journalists and press freedom" said Mr. Osman.

It is the second time in a week that government forces have surrounded the station headquarters and the stations was several times searched without government warrant. In addition, the station's staff could not step into the station as the government forces have taken new barracks near the gate of Shabelle.

This is the second radio station in Mogadishu that has fallen as a victim to the daily violence in the capital. In August 2007, Radio Codka Nabadda (Voice of Peace Radio) was closed after the area at which it is located became a battleground for government forces and insurgents.

Somalia has become a dangerous place for journalists. Seven journalists were killed in the country this year alone, and the government has several times cracked down media outlets.  

In this regard, SJS is requesting the parties to the conflict in Somalia to respect journalists and their stations and help the journalists work for the country.