The National Union of Somali Journalists (NUSOJ) has stated that the new Media Law “falls far short of the expectations” of stakeholders in the industry.
On Wednesday, the organization released a press statement offering support for aspects of the new law that enhance press freedom in the country.
It also highlighted the provisions catering for freedom of opinion and media freedom.
However, NUSOJ blasted the government for publishing a piece of legislation that contains provisions that could be applied to intimidate and arrest journalists for doing their work.
Further, NUSOJ condemned authorities in the country for failing to incorporate “key proposals and recommendations” that stakeholders submitted to the government and parliament.
Additionally, NUSOJ said the new Media Law does not comply with international standards.
President Mohamed Farmaajo signed the new Media Law to replace the previous Media Law 2016, which had been discredited for being too “draconian.”