ASOJ Condemns RAID ON SHABELLE RADIO

The Associated Somali Journalists (ASOJ) strongly condemns the attack that forces
of Transitional Federal Government (TFG) today took to the headquarters of Shabelle Media Network.

The TFG forces surrounded the premises of Radio Shabelle and opened fire to the windows and the doors of the building.

The forces denied access to and from the Radio building and the journalists have been hiding under the tables.

Government officials did not comment the reason behind the blockade, which is first time that such premeditated attack happened to a Somali media.

"We deplore the continued targeting of media institutions and personnel in Somalia and call upon the TFG authorities to desist from such acts of violence.

appreciates the need for the authorities to protect their forces against insurgent elements but highly condemns the careless act of shooting at a media building with employees on duty inside it. " said Dahir Alasow, Chairman Of the Associate Somali Journalists.

Information Minister Madobe Nunow Mohamed said he had no information about the closure.

The New York-based Committee to Protect Journalists condemned Tuesday's attack.

"Conditions for journalists in Somalia have become so perilous that over 30 reporters have fled the capital this year," said Joel Simon, CPJ's executive director.

 "Police should be protecting journalists, not attacking them."

According to Reporters Without Borders' sources, this could explain why the security forces have behaved so aggressively towards the building's occupants.

 Sunni Saeed Salah

sunninet@hotmail.com

Nairobi Keyna