3 Somali radios back on air
05/12/2007 07:19  - (SA)  

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Somali broadcasters go silent Noose on media tightened Two more radio stations silent Somali radio ordered off air Somali media chief killed Somali forces shut down radio

Mogadishu - Three radio stations, shut down last month for allegedly fanning insurgent violence, went back on air on Tuesday, after agreeing to broadcasting restrictions imposed by the mayor of the Somali capital.

The stations, Radio Simba, Radio Banadir and Radio Shabelle, were forced to halt operations in mid-November by Mayor Mohamed Omar Habeb.

Their managers said they were allowed back on air after signing what they suggested was a watered-down version of a decree from Habeb that banned the reporting of "military operations" without permission and interviewing "government opponents".

Abdullahi Shekalow of Radio Banadir said: "The mayor has allowed us to resume broadcasting after we signed the amended version of the decree."

"We are back on air," said Radio Shabelle chief Muktar Mohamed.

It was not immediately clear what part of the decree was amended, but the managers said it waived some clauses restricting reporting.

Media watchdogs had condemned Habeb's restrictions, saying they added unnecessary pressure on the media in a country already ranked as the second deadliest worldwide for journalists.

At least eight journalists had been killed and dozens either detained, ambushed or robbed in Somalia since Ethiopia-backed government forces started battling insurgents in January.

- AFP

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