Mogadishu – The Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General (SRSG), Nicholas Kay, condemns the arrest of two television journalists and the forced closure of Universal TV offices on 2 October 2015 in Mogadishu.

“Independent, free and pluralistic media are vital,” said SRSG Kay. “Freedom of expression is a fundamental right and is essential to create an environment that fosters debate and public participation in the 2016 electoral process and Somalia’s ongoing state-building and peace-building process”

The arrest of the two journalists followed the airing of a Universal TV televised debate on 30 September 2015.

SRSG Kay called for the Federal Government of Somalia to act swiftly to ensure that the safety and human rights of journalists are protected.

ENDS.