Minister of Information Praises Latest Consultation Conference on Media Law in Mogadishu

Mogadishu, 08 July 2014 – H.E. Mustafa Duhulow, the Minister of Information today spoke at the two day latest consultation conference on the Media Law, held in the City Plaza Hotel in Mogadishu and attended by over 100 media professionals and representatives of civil society groups. H.E. Abdiweli Sheikh Ahmed, the Prime Minister of Somalia attended the conference and was keynote speaker.

The Minister of Information said: “The new Media Law is a modern, dynamic piece of legislation that will protect media practitioners and the people alike, one that will create a vibrant and free media environment in Somalia. Freedom of speech is a fundamental part of a free society and a free press and media is a key component of freedom of speech.”

The Minister continued: “This two day consultation completes the process of regional discussion of the Media Law, a process that has taken us INSERT TOWNS. Now, finally, the process returns to the seat of government, Mogadishu, for the Banadir region consultation. This ensures that representatives of the media, civil society, the government including the security apparatus and the people of Somalia have all had the opportunity to discuss the new Media Law and what it means for them.”

The Minister concluded: “It is now our intention to present the Media Law to the Cabinet in the next few days and subsequently to the Parliament for ratification. After that we will implement the law and give Somalia a media sector it can be truly proud of, one that protects both freedom of speech and the rights of the individual.”