Somalia’s National Intelligence Security Agency (NISA) endured unprecedented backlash on social media for branding a Somali journalist working for Voice of America (VOA) as a “threat to national security.”
Social media users in Somalia were in uproar following the decision by NISA to vilify Harun Maruf, renowned journalist based in the United States, over views shared in his TV program on the American network.
NISA added that it has placed the popular journalist “under active investigations.” It also clarified that the VOA journalist would have to go through an “appropriate” legal action. The spy agency stated that it will take this action after establishing “critical links.”
Christopher Anzalone, an Islamic scholar, asked international community to issue a tough stance against NISA’s claims. Anzalone said, “NISA’s remarks deserve strong critical responses from international community.”
He mentioned European Union (EU) and United Nations (UN) among the organizations whose condemnation of NISA’s sentiments would be highly welcome. He requested countries whose governments fund the Federal Government of Somalia (FGS) not to remain silent too.