SOMPED Condemns Al Shabab’s Decision to Ban BBC and VOA

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SOMPED Condemns Al Shabab’s Decision to Ban BBC and VOA

The Somali Media, Peace and Development has condemned Al Shabab announcement on yesterday [9 April 2010] which it banned the radio stations from broadcasting British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) and Voice of America (VOA).

A statement from Al Shabab group on Friday has warned all radio stations operating in the Shabab controlled areas to stop broadcasting BBC and VOA, mean while they have looted radio transmitter equipment which the BBC has belonged. Al Shabab has blamed BBC and VOA to report anti Islamic programmes and exaggerate government propaganda.

“This is not new to us as media watchdog, we believe Al Shabab which had negative impact on the country’s media freedom. They have already banned radio stations to play music or give neutral reports”, SOMPED chairman, Farah Ahmed Atto said.

The decision from Al Shabab group came several days after an other Islamist function called Hisbul Islam had warned the local radio stations to play music or to speak about jihadist foreigners in the country.

“Somped is much worried about the increasing acts to silence the open ideas and the free speech of the people”, Atto said. “We call all islamist groups to stop harrowing and threatening orders against the media”. He added.

Al-Shabaab’s decision to ban BBC and VOA was also condemned by Reporters Without Borders (RSF). Al Shabab has been on the Reporters Without Borders list of Predators of Press Freedom for several years.