MOGADISHU, Somalia – Earlier today, security forces of the Somali transitional government entered the building of Radio Shabelle and ordered all the staff out. The broadcast and station was subsequently shut down without cause. Two of the station’s senior staff, Radio Director Ja’far Kuukay and Head of Programs Abdirahman Yusuf, publicly known Al-Adala, was briefly detained by the soldiers.

Shabelle is one of the leading independent radio stations remaining in Mogadishu. Earlier this year the government accused the radio station and several Somali news organizations of supporting the rebels.  Radio Shabelle has been ordered off the air several times. The station recently resumed broadcasting on October 3rd after being forced to shut down for 15 days.

Concerned about the growing press freedom crisis, the National Union of Somali Journalist (NUSOJ) has publicly denounced the actions of the interim government and informed them, again, that it is their international obligation to protect and respect journalists. Besides Iraq, Somalia is the most dangerous place for journalists in the world. Last month, Bashir Nor Gedi, the former manager of Radio Shabelle, was murdered in front of his home after being confined in the station for nearly a week because of threats. Bashir’s death marked the eighth journalist killed this year in Somalia

For more information please see:

AllAfrica.com – Somalia: Popular Radio Station Silenced, NUSOJ Strongly Protests – 12 November 2007

Impunity Watch – Gunned Down Journalist – 22 October 2007