Somaliland: Independent TV Stations Shut Down On Government Orders

[Deeq A.]

Somaliland: Independent TV Stations Shut Down On Government Orders

Hargeisa,(Qaran news)-Two independent television stations operating in Somaliland, Eryal & Horyaal have been shut down indefinitely on government orders.

According to reliable sources, the two stations were closed down and taken off the air, after Police Officers arrived at their respective studios.

Sources also indicate that the order to shut down the two TV stations, Eryal and Horyaal came from the office of the Minister of Information, Mohamed Dirie. It is not clear as to whether a warrant was obtained from the courts prior to the closing of the two stations.

Under the Somaliland constitution, any disputes between the administration and the independent media must be settled via the courts. There is no stipulation, whatsoever, allowing the arbitrary closure of media operations.

This is not the first time that the administration of President Muse Bihi Abdi has closed down the operations of some of the independent media in Somaliland, whether it is print, visual or the internet.

The government has yet to comment on the closure of the two television stations, but, reliable sources within the administration have confirmed that there was displeasure at the editorial stance taken by Eryal and Horyaal towards to the presidency.

Qarannews.com

Qaran News