Attorney General warns journalists of ‘false broadcasts’

GOOBJOOG NEWS|MOGADISHU:    Attorney General Suleyman Mohamud has warned against what he called ‘broadcasting of false information’ by the media noting that investigations were underway against some broadcasters in yet another move by the Federal Government to stifle press freedom.

Mohamud told journalists in Mogadishu his office had noted violations of the law by some journalists and media houses but did not make any specific reference.

“We have noted broadcasts based on unfounded allegations aimed at inciting violence and instability,” the AG said.

“There have been interviews based on falsity and headlines which create instability that in effect ruin the efforts of the government to restore peace and instability,” the AG said in a media conference.

It was not immediately clear which cases the AG was referring to but only noted prosecutions will commence once investigations are done.

The AG’s remarks come days after the EU ambassador to Somalia Nicolas Berlanga said putting journalists behind bars for their work was ‘no longer acceptable’.

The remarks which are seen to pressure journalists to self-censor also come as the country is heading for elections which require independent and objective coverage.