The National Union of Somali Journalists (NUSOJ) expresses concern about the closure of private Radio station in Bossasso.
Puntland police shut down Horseed Media on Saturday, 6 October, after the radio station was of spreading false news that is meant to “destabilise peace and stability of Puntland”.
The police said that they got the order to closedown the radio from the Ministry of information who allegedly sent an official letter to the police headquarters in Garowe. But Horseed Media office in Bosaso never received this said official letter from the Ministry of Information, according to the management of Horseed Media.
Abdikani Hassan, Director of Horseed Media said “We don’t know why such decision was taken by the authorities, still no reason is given on why the radio was shutdown, we respect the law and the constitution of Puntland, all broadcasted radio programs of Horseed Media are recorded and archived….we never broadcasted anything that is unlawful…we are asking the government to allow us to continue to provide our media services to the public”.
Horseed media said that Puntland Authorities have censored Horseed Media several times before in retaliation for its exclusive news and programs covering the events in Puntland.
In September 2012, Puntland President Abdirahman Mohamed Farole reportedly said his administration will not tolerate “ failed politicians” and some “media” to threaten his rule in Puntland, “…we allow the opposition if they join a political party, but we will not tolerate those failed politicians and so called websites and media who are supporting Puntland’s enemies including terrorists and Pirates….” Says President Farole in his speech during a cabinet meeting in Garowe.
“We call on Puntland authorities to allow Horseed radio to resume its operations” said Abdiweli Hassan Gooni, Puntland Coordinator of NUSOJ.
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