Intelligence Agency reads riot act to the media over ‘false reporting’

The National Intelligence Service Agency, NISA has warned the media of more crackdown amid local and international pressure over the arrest of Universal TV journalists and closure of its Mogadishu offices.

In an unsigned statement published in the national radio website, the intelligence agency, with a subtle reference to the arrest of the two journalists said the action to arrest journalists was not motivated by one incident but a series violations by the media.

“When media houses become a place of blackmailing government institutions, public figures, incite instability and debase the society, do not ask why such measures were taken against them but ask why they chose to air ill-intentioned programmes,” the agency said.

National security

NISA said the threat to the nation’s security is not only from terror groups but also those who aid their activities in one way or another. They cited spread of propaganda, false news and rumours against government agencies such as the ministry of defense, security and judiciary as notable offenses by the media in the country.

“There are informants inside us who maintain information and business ties with terror groups, those who go to foreign embassies to undermine their confidence in the country, those who publish wrong information about our country and work with those who make a living  writing wrong information against Somalia,” read the statement in part.

The agency warned the media against publishing false reports which could aid terror groups and elements bent on compromising the functioning of the state and peace in society.

Pressure

The response from the agency comes amid intense pressure both locally and internationally for the agency to free the journalists on grounds that their arrest violated provisions of the constitution and a breach to freedom of expression.

The UK embassy, the UN office in Somalia and the Committee to Protect Journalists have all condemned the arrest and closure of Universal TV offices in Mogadishu.  Some lawmakers, civil society and the journalists union, NUSOJ have also voiced their concerns calling for unconditional release of the journalists.

The two journalists were arrested over a week ago a day after airing a debate in which two MPs who were guests in the show made statements which could have been construed to question the legitimacy and sovereignty of the state.

NUSOJ said the media house had been informed the two journalists would remain behind bars for three weeks pending investigations.