Human rights groups condemn the closure of Universal TV stations in Hargeisa

The human rights institutions and media groups have criticized the arrest and the closure of Universal TV headquarters in Hargeisa by Somaliland authorities on Saturday.

Another TV namely Star TV was locked on Thursday last week accused of against Somaliland’s democratic process and it’s Constitution.

According to journalists who spoke to the media report, the police confiscated mobile phones from the journalists and staff on duty before instructing them to leave the premises.

In a statement, Somali Journalists Syndicate (SJS) condemned the use of police force to silence and intimidate independent media in Somaliland.

“We call for Somaliland authorities to immediately withdraw the police from Universal TV and Star TV and permit both stations to resume their operations,” said in a statement.

Somaliland authorities have arrested five journalists including Oldoon who was later released and locked more than three TVs for the last six months.

Hassan Mohamud, GoobjooNews