Hargeisa (SD) – The chairman of the Somaliland Journalists Association (SOLJA) has condemned Somaliland government’s move to impose fines on Star and Universal TV, describing it as illegal and in violation of the constitution, laws and regulations of the media in Somaliland.

Mohamud Abdi Jama (Huto), pointed out that the move is seen as the government to undermining the system of government institutions adding that the Ministry of Information cannot legally penalize a private media outlet.

“The Ministry’s decision is based on a decision by the Supreme Court, which required the appellants to file a petition with the Ministry so that the Ministry of Information can reconsider its previous illegal decision to suspend the two television stations. We consider it an illegal act by the Ministry of Information”. Said Huto in an statement.

The banned TV stations have not yet commented on the Ministry of Information’s fines, and the steps they need to take to resume broadcasting in Somaliland.