Garowe, Puntland, Somalia 12th August 2015: The Media Association of Puntland is closely following up the Puntland Information Ministry’s case filed against radio Sahan; a Community radio station based in Garowe for allegedly publishing an article on the commemoration of Puntland 17th Anniversary which had been published on its main site.
The first hearing begun at Garowe district Court of which the attorney general gave a reading on the government’s accusations over the Sahan article published on 26th July 2015 which radio Sahan administration strongly denied the allegations. The judge later gave instructions of the next hearing dated 16 August 2015
MAP welcomes the government’s way of handling the case so far compared to the previous cases reactions against journalist, although MAP warns filing a case against media professionals not to be used as a tool to silence the media freedom.
‘’Our role is to defend the rights of the media and Journalists in line with the Puntland laws which gives a right to freedom of expression. Hence MAP calls the Puntland judiciary to give attention on a free and fair trial and avoid any act that would damage and or silence the press rights” said MAP chair Faisal khaliif.
Added to that the MAP spells the media as a body promoting public interests but not an enemy to the state” noted Faisal.
This the first case of its kind that takes place in Puntland since the current administration took over responsibility January 2014. The second court hearing is scheduled next week.
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