Islamist militia close second Somali radio station citing ‘evil alliance’ links
Militia raided East Africa Radio in the capital, Mogadishu.
The station belongs to Bashir Rageh, who the Islamists claim was part of a secular alliance of US-backed warlords ousted from the capital, in June, by after days of fighting.
“The station was closed because it is the property of Bashir Rageh who was a member of the evil alliance,” said Abdirahim Ali Mudey, a spokesman for the Islamic group. The Islamic group plans to allow the radio station back on air once “we make a change of administration,” he said.
On Wednesday, the group, which now controls much of southern Somalia, imposed new rules on journalists which effectively gag them, said Paris-based press watchdog, Reporters Without Borders.
Journalists face arrest if they breach the rules, which include not releasing information that could create tension between the Islamic group and Somalia’s 8 million people.
“I and my staff were very stunned by how the militia can just switch off the station,” said Mohamed Mohamud Mo’alin, the radio’s director. “They did not give us any reason why.”
Islamic militants temporarily shut down a radio station on September 10 for airing “music and love songs”.
Earlier this month the Islamists closed HornAfrik Radio station sub-branch in Kismayo, accusing it of incitement against the Islamic authority.
