Media Professionals must stand together against government abuse of their rights
It is now very clear that media freedom is under attack. The government crackdown on freedom expression has been consistent. This is the second time that the government issued an indefinite ban on the publication of Hubaal newspaper and since Kulmiye government came to power there has been an escalation in the number of attacks against journalists in the country. During this period ten journalists have been brutally beaten and put in prison and a number of others physically assaulted, including Hubaal Owner /CEO who had been attacked with Guns and had injury with his left hand. Despite personal assurances from Government to bring the perpetrators to justice, investigations have not led to the arrest of some of attackers.
A main justification for press freedom is that free media will act as a watchdog over the government. While we would expect democracies to have free media and autocracies to have government-controlled media
Banning any media outlet, even temporarily, is one of the most extreme forms of prior censorship. That is especially the case where it is imposed unilaterally by an administrative body without any judicial oversight. Restrictions on freedom of expression, including newspaper bans, can never be justified to protect vague interests such as public confidence in the state or social cohesion and it seems that the government itself is going to endanger the peace and cohesion that prevails in the country by using Police units of RRU and SPU to media offices.
Prison violence and police abuse remain serious problems. Media professionals must stand together against government abuse of their rights.
Criminal liability of any publication or individual, including for incitement to violence, hostility or discrimination, must be decided by an independent judiciary in accordance with international standards on due process and the right to freedom of expression and information. Sanctions must be proportionate, and must never include a ban or suspension of a publication.
Attacking media freedom is to attack the very bedrock of democracy. I call upon the government to:
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Immediately lift the bans on the Hubaal newspapers and provide redress for the violation of these newspapers’ rights, including paying damages for any losses caused to the publications;
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Stop abusing archaic legislation to stifle media freedom;
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Ensure that the pending media and access to information laws comply with international standards on freedom of expression and information;
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Concentrate efforts to effectively investigate the Gun-attack of Hubaal Media CEO and his office ensuring that the perpetrators responsible for these crimes are brought to justice; and make sure that there is effective redress afforded where possible to the victim;
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The government should conduct independent, credible investigations into all acts of violence to determine who is responsible, rather than using criminal investigations as a political tool.
Abdi Halim Mohamed Musa
21st December 2013
