Somali Journalists Syndicate (SJS) has asked President Farmaajo not to rush into signing the media bills into law.
SJS members described the bill as “draconian.” They said the constitution gives the President the power to refuse signing any bill into law.
On Thursday 16 January 2020, Somali’s parliament submitted the bill to the Office of the President.
In Somalia, the law allows journalists to regulate their own accreditation and registration.
Under Article 18 (Clause 1 and 2) of the new bill, all journalists working in the country must register with Somali Press Council and under the Ministry of Information’s database.
The Secretary General of SJS, Abdalle Ahmed Mumin, said, “If the media bill becomes law, it will entrench a culture of censoring journalists all over the country.”
“President Farmaajo should not assent to a bill that criminalizes the coverage of critical news. He should not sign into law a bill that constraints journalists from fulfilling their duties,” he said.
In no uncertain terms, they requested President Farmaajo to reject the bill.