The Somali Media Association (SOMA) is concerned how the security agency has treated the journalists from the various independent media outlets.
On Wednesday April 4, 2018, officials from the security agency has assembled more than 20 journalists who were outside the Parliament at unsuitable place, and made threatening and intimidating speech to the journalists to make them frightened, they were ordered they could not record anything in audio and visual form without permission, the threatening speech also included that they could not make any source reference and print without consent.
The security agency forces has seized camera from Kalsan TV journalists, however returning it the following day; which is breach against the work of the media.
The Somali Media Association (SOMA) is concerned about the security forces conduct with the media; which could result the journalists could not operate effectively, while; the fear of the journalists and the media centers could cause the loss of the media observation role
In conclusion, SOMA is suggesting to all the leaders of the different branches of the security forces to respect the independence of the media, at the same time to ensure the officers of the security forces did not get the authority to intimidate the media.