US Condemned Somaliland for Stifling The Press

Hargeisa– At beginning of this month, US government showed a concern about the mass crackdown of journalists in Somaliland, and arbitrary shutdowns of media outlets. They said the following, “@US2Somalia reiterates its commitment to the defense of #PressFreedom. We condemn threats and violations against journalists and the free press in #Somaliland. We call on Somaliland’s leadership to respect, uphold and protect the right to freedom of expression.”

The ongoing campaign against freedom of speech and the right to assembly have been a target by Somaliland government. The latest victim is Astaan TV, an entertainment and music channel TV. They arrested the Somaliland CEO allegedly for espionage and his association with somebody he didn’t ever meet yet, nor he knows anybody in Somalia’s government. He has been remanded and maybe he appears in court next week. Abdirahman Manan won’t his see his mother next Eid and his family to celebrate with them instead, he languish in prison indefinitely until his crime is cooked and then charged..

The arrest followed the closure of Universal TV by Somaliland government without stating a crime. These two have a common currency and it is that they are from Southern Somalia. Businesses in South Somalia owned by Somalilanders fear the same “special-tailored” laws and dire consequences, but so far, they are doing fine.

Thinking that the campaign won’t affect them, Somaliland press advocacy and diehard Somalilanders didn’t do enough to help him get released.