The Federation of Somali Journalists (FESOJ) has condemned the decision to close a radio station in HirShabelle.
Reports indicate that regional government troops closed Radio Hiranweyn allegedly under the instructions of Ahmed Hagar Dabageed, the HirShabelle Vice President.
The troops closed the radio station on Friday, January 21.
Armed soldiers stormed the offices where the radio station is located and ordered it closed immediately.
They shut it down before arresting several journalists.
FESOJ has now spoken out strongly against the incident.
According to FESOJ, the station’s closure and arrest of the journalists took place after it aired a press conference that General Huud’s supporters in the region held.
FESOJ stated that authorities in HirShabelle have proved once again their ability to obstruct freedom of expression.