NUSOJ Joins MAP in Condemning the Act of Suppression against The Right to Free Expression in Puntland

Mogadishu, November 12,2015 | The National Union of Somali Journalists (NUSOJ) joins the Media Association for Puntland MAP in condemning the suspension against the “Deperani Show” and its producer of the London based Somali language Television, Somali Channel in a degree issued by the office of Puntland ministry of information in a letter dated 10th November 2015 ref_W/W/I/H/DH/260/2015 instructing Jama deperani, a correspondent for London-based Somali Channel TV to halt his journalistic activity which means to stop ‘’deperani Show’’.

According to MAP, Deperani-show is hard talk television programme, consisting of in-depth half-hour one-on-one interviews. The show broadcasts 3-times in month on Fridays on Somali channel TV launched in 22nd August 2015. The Deperani Show mainly focuses on government’s accountability and transparency.

The National Union of Somali Journalists (NUSOJ) condemns the move by the information ministry in Puntland to suspend the journalist, Jama Deperani from journalistic activities in Puntland and suspension of the Deparani Show program and calls for the Puntland authorities to unconditionally lift the suspension from Jama Deparani and the talk show he produces.

“We condemn the suspension of the Somali journalist Jama Deparani and the Deparani Show and call for the Puntland authorities to unconditionally lift the suspension.” Mohamed Ibrahim, NUSOJ Secretary General said, “We urge the authorities to respect the right to free expression and the freedom of the press.”

“Critical and constructive media accountable to the public is the base of every democratic society.”Mr. Ibrahim added.

Earlier on 21st May 2015, Puntland president has ordered arrest warrant against the Somali journalist Jama Deperani, who works for the London-based Somali Channel over facebook posts criticizing the Puntland authorities.

In a separate incident, The Middle Shabelle administration arrested Macaani Haji Arow, who is SomnewsTV cameraman in the town of Jowhar on November 8, 2015. It was not immediately clear the reasons behind the arrest. He was freed on November 9, 2015 without charges.

Meanwhile, the National Union of Somali Journalists (NUSOJ) endorses the decision by the Somalia’s attorney General office to suspend 35 news websites, which the union and the Somali media fraternity deemed were a real threat to the safety and the Security of the journalists and the entire media industry due to the nature of the violence used in the media. NUSOJ also welcomes the investigation launched by the Somali attorney general office against the individuals who use the media as a tool to extort, threaten, blackmail and bribe the public in General.

NUSOJ also calls for the Somali government to take urgent legal action against Omar Faruk Osman and Dahir Abdulle Alasow who are the key owners, managers of the said websies.

“We feel responsible and accountable to the public and are guided by ethics and principles of journalism toward media friendly environment.” Mohamed Ibrahim, NUSOJ Secretary General said, “We should not allow individuals claiming Somali media and creating dangerous and hostile environment that puts the lives of innocent journalists at risk.”

“We firmly stand and committed to defend press freedom and free speech and negate any sorts of violence in the media that threatens the safety and the security of the industry, to safe it from total disruption, ahead of the critical and challenging time awaiting the industry in 2016 elections .” Mr. Ibrahim added.