Somali Media Face Arrests, Harassment. in election year
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Saturday March 26, 2022 - 14:12:19 in English News by Super Admin
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ASOJ.ORG - With Somalia's delayed elections pushed back again, the country's media are digging in for what has already been a lengthy and at times difficult election period.
Journalists reporting on politics and opposition candidates have been assaulted and detained, and a state leader threatened unspecified consequences for media who "exaggerate the menace" of the militant group al-Shabab, according to a report by the Associated Somali Journalists (ASOJ).
"Journalists are taking increasing risks throughout Somalia,” Abdalle Ahmed Mumin, the secretary general of SJS, told VOA. "The various attacks against reporters increased in 2021, in physical attacks, intimidation, harassment, or targeted cyber bullying.”
When it comes to political coverage, the syndicate found cases where federal and state authorities "deliberately blocked, detained, harassed, and threatened journalists covering elections.”
The Somali embassy did not respond to a request for comment.
Pressure on media covering election campaigns and rallies is a trend seen globally, media experts say.
"During elections, press freedom is truly tested. It’s when we’re likely to see a state’s true colors appear,” said Muthoki Mumo, of the Committee to Protect Journalists.
Political beat
In delaying the parliamentary elections slated for last Friday, Somali lawmakers last week cited a lack of funding and security.
The vote is already a year behind, after disagreements between the government and opposition resulted in delays. The militant Islamist group al-Shabab had also vowed to disrupt the vote and warned Somalis to stay away from the polls.
Somali Media Face Arrests, Harassment. in election year
ASOJ.ORG - With Somalia's delayed elections pushed back again, the country's media are digging in for what has already been a lengthy and at times difficult election period. Journalists reporting on politics and opposition candidates have