Friday, July 12, 2013
Somali journalists say the government has approved draft media
legislation that will make it even harder for them to operate in a
country where reporters are frequently threatened and even killed.
The law was approved by government ministers on Thursday.
Under
the draft law, which proposes a government watchdog agency, journalists
can be suspended or fined for publishing work that undermines peace and
security.
It also requires journalists to reveal anonymous sources if a
court asks for them.
Omar Faruk Osman of the National Union of
Somali Journalists said the law was vague and could be abused in ways
that undermine press freedom.
Somalia is one of the most
difficult places for journalists to work. At least 23 journalists have
been killed there since 2012.