A top British diplomat has expressed concern over the recent arrest of nine journalists in Hargeisa.
Lizzie Walker, the Head of the British Office in Hargeisa, spoke on this matter on April 13.
She was responding to reports by the Somaliland Journalist Association (SOLJA) regarding the arrest of four more journalists.
The four joined their colleagues (5) who had been in police custody for a few days.
Apparently, authorities arrested the journalists after they reported a case of violent clashes in a prison in the Somaliland capital.
Walker reminded local authorities that media freedom is the cornerstone of democracy.
Meanwhile, SOLJA has called for the immediate release of the journalists from illegal detention.