I think that Somalia's press is pretty free

[UlteriorMotive]

.......leaving aside the fact that journalists risk death for stories they write from various factions. On the whole they can pretty much write whatever they want about governments, institutions, individuals and groups. I have read stories exposing corruption, abuses as well as rumours on politicians.

What do you guys think? Bear in mind I'm not asking about their professionalism or lack thereof.

In comparison to dictatorships in Africa, Middle East and Asia...do you think our press is free?

We have seen conflict between the media and politicians (Tarsan v Shabelle, Faroole v some news sources, SL v universal and other news sources) what do you think this means for the future. Is our media comparatively unrestricted only because the government is currently weak?

Also, do you agree with the following image or is it unfair?

[Alphanumeric]

Is our media comparatively unrestricted only because the government is currently weak?

Yes, when you speak about the government.

As regards the map, coming from the Press Freedom Index, Somalia currently ranks better than Egypt, Cuba, Belarus, Burma, Vietnam, PR China, Bahrain, Sudan and Eritrea (least ranked).

The survey asks questions about direct attacks on journalists and the media as well as other indirect sources of pressure against the free press, such as non-governmental groups. RWB is careful to note that the index only deals with press freedom, and does not measure the quality of journalism.

- Wiki

Considering the state of Somalia, its rank is understandable.

[UlteriorMotive]

Alpha, thanks for the clarification. Somali journalists are murdered quite regularly.

As we transition from a heavily regulated pseudo-marxist past, it's important to safeguard our newfound freedom. Nothing worse than being unduly controlled by the government. It will just promote a culture of impunity among officials.

On the bright side, we a have a large diaspora who have experienced free press (regarding govt) in the West...and who, inshallah, will not stand for it being curtailed.

[Alphanumeric]

I wonder if the diaspora should have a say in the going-ons in a country they don't pay taxes in.

[UlteriorMotive]

That's a question for another thread.

But I will say this, not only do they not pay taxes (no one does in Somalia ) but they go there to take advantage (esp politicians).

On the other hand, the diaspora have a lot of experience in a range of fields and have lived in successful countries. What's wrong with taking advantage of their skills? They are on the whole more educated and worldly than someone who has never left Somalia.

[Alphanumeric]

You're right, it's a question for another thread. But in short, it is mutually beneficial.

[Executive]

Its funny you say that cause a day after you thread the International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) published a press release on Somalia http://africa.ifj.org/en/articles/ifj-c ... rn-somalia

23 April 2012

IFJ Condemns Arbitrary Arrests of Journalists in Northern Somalia


The International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) today condemned the arrest and detention of two broadcast journalists and persistent acts of intimidation of media professionals in northern Somalia.

“We deeply condemn the continued arbitrary arrests and sustained acts of intimidations of journalists in Somalia, especially disputed regions of Sool and Sanaag,” said Gabriel Baglo IFJ Africa Office Director.

According to National Union of Somali Journalists (NUSOJ), an IFJ affiliate, Mohamed Shaqale, a reporter for Somalisat TV in Las Anod city in Sool region, was arrested by Somaliland police on 19 April in armored vehicle in the centre of the district of Las Anod, the headquarters of Sool region. He then was taken to Criminal Investigations Department (CID) where he was reportedly interrogated and currently being detained. The police did not state the reason behind the arrest.

On March 3, 2012, Awke Abdullahi, Director of Radio Voice of Peace in Bossasso was arrested. He is still in detention despite his deteriorating health. On April 13, 2012, Abdweli Hassan Gooni, NUSOJ Coordinator in Puntland was arrested before being released on 16 April.

“Press freedom is a critical issue in Somaliland and Puntland controlled regions where journalists are still harassed and jailed. Somaliland authorities in Sool region are accustomed to arrest, intimidate and question journalists owing to their journalistic work,” said Omar Faruk Osman, NUSOJ Secretary General. “We call for the immediate release of Mohamed Shaqale as there is no lawful reason for his arrest and detention,” he added.

On 22 March 2011, Mohamed Shaqale was attacked in Las Anod by Somaliland soldiers for filing reports that the Somaliland army deemed contrary to their forces. Shaqale went into hiding in Las Anod but his laptop computer, camera and recorders were confiscated. His house was in this month searched by police.

For more information contact the IFJ on +221 33 867 95 86/87

The IFJ represents more than 600.000 journalists in 134 countries

Source: http://africa.ifj.org/en/articles/ifj-c ... rn-somalia