Somali Militant Group Bans Foreign Broadcasters
VOA News 09 April 2010
The Somali insurgent group al-Shabab is cracking down on international broadcasters, including the BBC and VOA.
The militant group released a statement Friday saying it was shutting down FM stations that relay BBC programs in the areas of Somalia that are under its control. The statement says all radio station equipment will be confiscated.
In the statement, al-Shabab says the BBC promotes a "colonial Christian agenda" against Muslims and opposes the foundation of an Islamist government in Somalia.
The group also says it has informed local media networks to end contracts with the BBC and VOA.
Al-Shabab is the most prominent of the militant groups trying to overthrow the Somali government and set up an Islamic state. The group controls much of southern and central Somalia, including large portions of the capital, Mogadishu.
The U.S. considers al-Shabab a terrorist group with al-Qaida links.
Last week, the Hisbul Islam militant group ordered local radio stations in Mogadishu to stop playing songs and gave them a 10-day ultimatum to comply. The group said it would take action against any station that ignored its order.
Some information for this report was provided by AP.
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