The government of Somaliland has shut down an independent TV station operating in Hargeisa, the country’s capital.
As per the government’s directive, Universal TV is unable to operate anywhere in the country.
On Saturday, police officers raided the offices of the news station and ordered staff to vacate the premises immediately.
It is unclear how long the TV station would remain off the air, though.
Staff confirmed that police officers showed up at their premises and commanded them to stop broadcasting and leave the building.
However, authorities have confirmed that the officers never displayed a warrant allowing them to close the TV station.
Mohamed Abdi Digale, the Director General of Universal TV, indicated that the government might have taken this decision in response to news his firm broadcast on June 26, 2020.
On June 26, Universal TV mostly broadcast news and programs designed to commemorate the 60th Anniversary of Somaliland’s independence.