Mogadishu, Somalia 20 April, 2010 :: The Somali Journalist Rights Agency (SOJRA) is concern the recent violations against media houses and journalists in grater south and central regions especially in the capital Mogadishu.

Today Somalia government closed two radio stations Somaliweyn radio and Tusmo radio without any crime against their interest.

It was on 18^th April, 2010 when Somalia government issued a statement against the media stations based under her control. Abdikafi Hilowle Osman, who is the secretary of Banadir regional administration, had told reporters in a press conference on Sunday he held Mogadishu that they won’t put up with the radio station followed the order of Hizbul Islam organization posing out that 4 radios he said if the government sees as working with the Islamist fighters would be closed.

On the other hand, The South and Central Journalists Association (SOCJA) call for an swift action on free amnesty upon the fresh statement issued by the Somalia government ministry of information ordering to shut overall media houses which based in a government controlled area because they adhered by Alashabaab threats to quit music and entertainment sounds with in the days past.

“This is unacceptable the Somali government should give wide protection to Somali journalists and their professional work.I’m strongly asking all factions in the country to do more because it is time to stop the war on journalists said Mohamed Nuxurkey with the leadership of South and Central Journalists Association (SOCJA).Of course we have no way to avoid the continuation of violent attacks, harsh orders, and other brutal acts Nuxurkey added.

Similarly, the international human rights organizations such as Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch was also issued an statements against the repression and restrictions of press freedom and freedom of expression in Somalia especially south and central regions.

“Al-Shabab’s attacks on human rights defenders and journalists are an attempt to silence any report on the gross abuses they are committing against the civilian population, said Michelle Kagari, deputy director of Amnesty International’s Africa program”.

However, SOJRA calls the international community to push both sides to stop the newly fresh repressions and restrictions against media houses and journalists. SOJRA is also kindly requesting the Transitional Federal Government of Somalia to immediately allow these two radio station back on air as soon as possible without disturbance.

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