The report, titled “Media Freedom Kept within Bounds”, unearths evidence-based information from journalists and media managers who recounted unrestrained and vituperative attacks on journalists and media houses.

The media professionals signify that Somaliland authorities are responsible for outrages and structural suppression against media. Opposition political parties enmeshed some of the problems that the media in Somaliland is currently facing due to their warped relations with the press, according to journalists, civil society and politicians.
The report uncovers that the judicial authorities of Somaliland are not held blameless for the attacks against media because the media community sees an authority used to legitimize denial of freedom of expression.

Tribal elders also play displeasing role of describing detained journalists for lawbreaking, criminality, misconduct or malpractice of the media work since some of them are unacquainted with press freedom and are ill-informed about allegations against journalists, according to the report.

“The report exposes presaging situation of the press in Somaliland. It depicts ferociously hostile attacks on the media. Somaliland authorities are exerting constricted control over the print media and are impeding efforts to establish indepedent broadcast media to disseminate unfiltered news to the people,” said Omar Faruk Osman, NUSOJ Secretary General.

“Somaliland authorities must reverse its undemocratic and damnable actions against the private media,” he added.

FULL REPORT IS ATTACHED

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For further information, contact:
National Union of Somali Journalists (NUSOJ)
Taleex Street, KM4 Area, Hodan District,
Mogadishu, Somalia, tel/fax: +252 1 859 944,
e-mail: newsletter@nusoj.org  
Internet: http://www.nusoj.org

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National Union of Somali Journalists (NUSOJ) is a national union representing Somali journalists to promote and protect freedom of the press and the interests and rights of journalists. It is a member of the International Federation of Journalists (IFJ), International Freedom of Expression exchange (IFEX), Federation of African Journalists (FAJ) and Eastern Africa Journalists Association (EAJA). NUSOJ is partner with Reporters without Borders (RWB).