SomalilandPress is an indepedent news portal based in Hargeisa, Somaliland.

It comprises young and dynamic journalists and linguists carrying potentialities to open the floodgates of freedom of speech, expression, press and publicity.

With the drafting of constitution of Somaliland (Press Law (Law No: 27/2004)), Somalilandpress anticipates the freedom of press as envisaged in it. We believe that press is one of the major components to demonstrate the extent of democratization of a country. It also explains the extents of people’s participation in governance. We believe, it is must for a free and democratic society. Press also alerts government to comply on its responsibilities and obligations. That is why it has been very often referred to as the fourth state of a country.

What does Somaliland constitution say?

Having seen: Article 32 of the Constitution which guarantees the freedom of expression;

Article 3: Freedom of the Press
a. The freedom of the press is recognized and enshrined in the Constitution of the Republic of Somaliland and is respected and valued in Somaliland.
b. No restraints can be imposed on the Press.
c. Any acts that can be construed as amounting to censorship are prohibited. d. Journalists may form professional organisations which have an umbrella association.

Article 4: Objectives of the Press
a. Gathering and disseminating of news.
b. Expressing opinions in respect of various issues.
c. Imparting critical or supportive statements on various issues arising within the country or abroad. d. Taking part in the formation of public opinion whilst using various methods.

Article 5: Right to engage in and to carry on press activities
Every Somaliland citizen has a right to engage in or carry on any press activity, either solely or jointly with others.

RIGHTS OF ACCESS TO INFORMATION

Article 8: Right of access to receive and impart information

1. A journalist shall not be imprisoned for undertaking press activities unless otherwise ordered by a competent court.
2. Unless otherwise restricted by law, any press and its agents shall have the right to seek, obtain and report news and information and acquire information from any government source of news and information.
3. Any press and its agents shall have the right to disseminate news and information and any other products of the press.

4. Journalists shall have the right to receive from the government any documents relating to their activities.
5. The disclosure and dissemination of the following matters are not allowed:

• a. comments relating to proceedings which have not been concluded and are still before a court; (and)
• b. unless the individual concerned consents, any personal information relating to a victim of a criminal act.

6. Disclosure of source of information: Only a court judge may question a publisher, editor or a reporter about the source from which he obtained or took information he used for his reporting, if it is necessary for the disposal of the proceedings in the court.

Article 9: The Right of Reply
1. Where any news or information which concerns an individual is reported in a press, such individual shall have the right to reply in the same press in which the report appeared.
2. The press in which such a report appeared shall give the individual concerned the opportunity to reply promptly to the report in the same manner and place in which the report was published/disseminated previously.

Dispite the constitution clearly stating the rights of the press and media, Somaliland government continues to crack down on the media arresting many reporters without charges. However, According to the Washington-based international organization Freedom House, Somaliland remained poor in its freedom index, identified as “Partly Free” with a score of 4 in both political rights and civil liberties. On a scale of 1 to7, a rating of 1 indicates the highest degree of freedom and a rating of 7 implies the lowest amount of freedom, thru which countries are classified as “Free”, “Partly Free” and “Not Free.”  To make things worse Somaliland was reported to have declined from 2008 ratings, however Somaliland rates better than Ethiopia, Eritrea and Somalia.

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