SOMALIA: Private broadcasters silenced by government back on air

CENSORED

Three private broadcasters shut down for coverage of a government security crackdown returned to the air after talks with authorities, according to the National Union of Somali Journalists and news reports.

HornAfrik Radio, the first independent broadcaster in Somalia’s history, the leading independent station Radio Shabelle, and the private station Radio IQK (Holy Quran Radio) were shut down June 6 and resumed broadcasting four days later.

The stations had been accused of fomenting unrest, in part for broadcasting interviews with Mogadishu residents affected by house-to-house searches for weapons.