There are no signs of improvement yet towards the closure of Shabelle Media Network's station in Baydhabo [current seat of government] after militiamen loyal to the government interrupted the station yesterday halting its operations.

A reporter and technician have been arrested yesterday when militiamen interred the station but released after six hours long detention.

The International Media Advocates, local civil society groups and ordinary people in Somalia have condemned the acts terming it to be grave violations against the freedom of the press.

Head executive of the network in Mogadishu also criticized the act saying it could lead to media pressure. "We are too much concerned about the incident that made people deaf about what is happening" Abdulmalik said.

"We know that one does not like his secrets to be revealed but according to the press freedom we must tell people the truth they are in thirst" he added.

The incident is the second of its kind within two months, other militiamen including local security personnel have ordered the station to be closed four weeks ago while a female journalist was also beaten and snapped to jail leaving her duties suspended.

Source: Shabeelle Media Network website, Mogadishu, in English 19 Jun 06

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