Journalists Barred from Covering Pressers Within Lower House Compound

GOOBJOOG NEWS/MOGADISHU: Journalists have been banned from reporting on press conferences by MPs within the precincts of the Lower House building in Mogadishu.

The Lower House Standing Committee chaired by speaker Adan Madobe issued the directive to journalists and media houses covering parliament to refrain from covering interviews and pressers from MPs.

The Committee did not however state any reasons for the ban but sources said the move may have been informed by the recent statements by a section of MPs from South West state who were opposed to the withdrawal of Ethiopian military from their state.

While addressing journalists after a parliamentary session, the MPs decried demands for withdrawal of the Ethiopia forces noting they played an important role in securing parts of the state which are under threats from Al-Shabaab.

The ban however is seen as an affront to media freedom since journalists are protected by law to report activities and developments from parliament. Critics have also condemned the ban noting it will deny the public communication from their representatives especially on important matters and efforts to hold the government accountable on certain issues.