Former Somali President Sharif Sheikh Ahmed, who held a press conference in Mogadishu today, spoke out strongly against the security situation and the pressure on the press related to the suppression of freedom of expression in Mogadishu.
Sharif Sheikh Ahmed condemned the arrest of eight journalists by the Federal Government in Mogadishu today, describing the move as an act against democracy and the Somali state.
“Freedom of speech and the independence of the press are important pillars on which any government is built. It is never acceptable for journalists to be suppressed or intimidated for political reasons,” said Sharif Sheikh Ahmed.
The former president also noted that government leaders claim that they are holding one-person, one-vote elections in the country, but they are committing direct abuses, and he called on government leaders to protect the rights of journalists and stop interfering with independent media.
“I condemn the violence and repression against journalists and the free media and it is unfortunate that the current system, which claims to want a one-person, one-vote election, cannot accept that journalists convey the feelings and views of the people. These actions are against the rule of law and the constitution,” said Sharif Sheikh Ahmed.
This press conference by Sharif Sheikh Ahmed comes as independent media outlets face increasing pressure on some journalists who cover political and security issues in the country.
