The EU condemns attacks against Somali media

The EU condemns attacks against Somali media

MOGADISHU, April 23, 2010/African Press Organization (APO)/ --

The EU condemns attacks against Somali media

"After forcing all radio stations in Somalia to stop broadcasting any music or information not complying with their impositions, as well as preventing BBC and Voice of America to be

retransmitted by FM repeaters, the Shabaab stormed GBC Radio on 14 April 2010, showing utmost disrespect for the basic right of freedom of information. These attacks against media houses are just the latest chapter in an already established pattern of killings, threats and harassments of Somali journalists causing many victims throughout the last two years.

The actions undertaken by the Shabaab and Hisbul Islam against radio broadcasting in the country, foreign to any true tradition of Somalia, are further evidence of the dictatorial nature of these groups.

Freedom of information is a fundamental pillar of any free society and attacks against it are totally unacceptable.

The European Union and its Member States strongly condemn the attempt by the Shabaab and Hisbul Islam to shut down freedom of expression and information in Somalia, and call on all parties to respect these fundamental rights."

Source: NUSOJ

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