Private TV Channels Closed In Somaliland

Two private TV channels in Hargeisa, Somaliland, have been closed down by police.

Horyaal 24TV and Eryal TV have been accused of inciting violence, with the order for their closure coming from Minister of Information Mohamed Muse Diriye.

These are not the first media shutdowns in the country, two TV stations were closed and several journalists arrested last year in connection with their coverage of Somaliland’s dispute with Puntland.

According to director of Horyaal, Mohamed Osman Mire, the stations are also accused of defaming the national armed forces and threatening stability.

National Union of Somali Journalists (NUSOJ) General Secretary Mohamed Ibrahim Moalimuu is quoted as stating, "The arbitrary closure of the television stations is a deliberate assault on freedom of expression and of the media and shows a total disregard for citizens' fundamental right to receive information."