MOGADISHU (Somaliguardian) –Somali journalist working for Goobjoog media based in Mogadishu has been sentenced to 6 months in prison and a fine of 5 million Somali shillings ($200) for allegedly publishing a false report.
Banadir regional court issued the verdict more than 2 months after the journalist was released on bail with condition that he would not present news and programs related with politics.
The regional court said the verdict was based upon the 1964 penal code on dissemination of false information.
Somalia’s president Mohamed Abdullahi Farmajo had earlier promised that he would decriminalize journalism and freedom of expression, adding that old penal codes will not be used against media professionals.
Local media activists said they were outraged by the 6 month jail sentence against Journalist Abdiasis Gurbiye, who is currently serving as the editor of Goobjoog media.
“This is a brutal, outrageous decision, which is flagrant violation of free expression. We condemn this harsh and unacceptable sentence against independent journo” said the director of Federation of Somali Journalists, Mohamed Ibrahim Moalimu.
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