Las’Anod (SPR): Somali Public Radio reporter Maxamed Cismaan C/nuur, was released from prison yesterday, after being held for days in Las’anod town of Sool region, Somali Public Radio Reports.

Las’anod is the governing district of Sool region, currently under the control of Somaliland, a self declared breakaway republic in Northwestern Somalia. The region has been experiencing political instability and a “disputed” status quote, with Somaliland, Puntland and SSC laying large claims on the region.

Somali Public Radio Sool region correspondent, Maxamed Cismaan C/nuur was imprisoned and interrogated after being accused of airing biased and partial coverage to Somali Channel Television Network.

Harassment, interrogations, arrests and sentences – the practices of the Somaliland militias are steadily eroding media freedom and free expression.

On March 10, 2011, Somaliland has also acted against the media by banning Universal T.V, a private Somali satellite TV network based in London, from operating in Somaliland.

“These actions impede the recognition quest, and damages (democracy on the horn of Africa) reputation Somalilandstrife’s to build,” stated Maxamed Cismaan C/nuur in an interview with Somali Public Radio, Tuesday evening.

Maxamed Cismaan C/nuur had also repeatedly defended other journalists who had been harassed by Somalilandauthorities and had filed complaints denouncing their harassments.

“Unversal T.V reporter has fled town, after a warrant for his arrest was issued by Somaliland’s Information Minister, Axmed Abdi Xaabsade. Authorities looted his office and confiscated his personal equipments, including camera’s and recorders,” Maxamed Cismaan C/nuur told Somali Public Radio following his release on Tuesday morning.

Despite threats and interrogations, Maxamed Cisman told SPR that he’ll resume his work for the public and stated,” I work for two media outlets who both abide by international media regulations,” in reference to Somali Public Radio and Somali Channel.

The extra-ordinary environment in Somalia, challenges journalists to report all significant viewpoints in a way that is fair to those involved and presents a complete and honest picture to the audience. Fairness entails among other things, listening to different perspectives and compiling them into a balanced journal. This responsibility is extremely challenging and dangerous, as those in power very often expect journalist to parrot lies and distort facts on their behalf.

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