(09 Dec 2024) HARGEISA (Halqabsi News) — Somaliland’s Parliament has received the first-ever media law draft to regulate the media sector while safeguarding journalists’ rights and press freedom. Presented by the Minister of Information, Ali Hassan Mohamed ‘Ali Marehan,’ the proposed law seeks to grant constitutional freedoms to the press, introduce a civil framework for addressing media violations, and protect journalists from exploitation by media owners. It also prohibits the misuse of sensitive security information in reporting.
“This is a modern law aligned with international standards, Islamic values, and our cultural practices,” said Minister Marehan.
The media fraternity has welcomed the bill, developed in collaboration with the government, the Somaliland Journalists Association (SOLJA), and international partners. If passed, it will replace reliance on criminal law for media disputes and strengthen intellectual property protections for journalists.
Halqabsi News
