somalia: Journalists go on strike
The International Federation of Journalists, the world's largest journalists' organisation, has expressed its solidarity with Somali journalists who went on strike in the capital, Mogadishu, in protest against new draconian media legislation.
IFEX - News from the international freedom of expression community
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PRESS RELEASE/ALERT - SOMALIA
4 October 2002
Journalists go on strike following government's introduction of harsh new
media law
SOURCE: International Federation of Journalists (IFJ), Brussels
(IFJ/IFEX) - The following is a 3 October 2002 IFJ media release:
Striking Journalists in Somalia Accuse Government Over New Media Law
The International Federation of Journalists, the world's largest
journalists' organisation, today expressed its solidarity with Somali
journalists who went on strike in the capital, Mogadishu, yesterday in
protest against new draconian media legislation.
Despite more than a decade of violence, there are seven radio stations, more
than 20 newspapers and two television stations in Mogadishu. A Somali-based
journalist says only one local radio station was providing news on Wednesday
as the strike got under way.
"This strike shows the commitment and determination of journalists to fight
for their rights," said Aidan White, IFJ General Secretary. "Even in a
country where press freedom is often in the twilight." The IFJ says the
Government must withdraw a new law, which it says could see the extinction
of independent and critical journalism.
The row between the transitional government and the journalists began four
days ago when the parliament endorsed the law imposing restrictions on media
activities. The law will go into effect upon signature by the President, who
has so far refused to sign it.
Article 7 of the law prohibits the publication of anything against what is
called 'Common Interests', against Islam, against the concept of unity,
against the politics of the country, against the security of the state or
against the social affairs of the people. "This means don't talk, don't hear
and don't see", said one Somali journalist.
The IFJ represents more than 500,000 journalists in more than 100 countries.
For further information, contact the IFJ, International Press Center,
Residence Palace 155, Rue de la Loi - Bloc C, B-1040 Brussels, Belgium, tel:
+322 235 2200 or +322 235 2201, fax: +322 235 22 19, e-mail: [email protected],
Internet: http://www.ifj.org/
The information contained in this press release/alert is the sole
responsibility of IFJ. In citing this material for broadcast or publication,
please credit IFJ.
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