HARGEISA (SD) – Somaliland authorities arrested a number of journalists covering the riots in Hargeisa’s main Jail today.

The number of journalists arrested by the Somaliland government today has so far increased to twenty well known reporters.

The arrested journalists include some technicians and cameramen from from local and international media houses, including the VOA and the BBC services.

The chairman of the main opposition Waddani party, Hirsi Ali Haji Hassan, has called for the immediate release of the journalists.

“The attack on the Horn Cable media outlets, the arrest of ten journalists and the alleged torture of journalists, is a clear indication that the government is violating the country’s laws and the constitution that guarantee citizens basic freedoms.” said the Wadani chairman.

Adding “It was two days ago when the Minister of the Interior threatened the media, and today he stepped in to arrest them. We oppose abuses against the media and innocent citizens.”

The Somaliland Journalists Association (SOLJA) has condemned the latest arrests of journalists in Hargeisa.