NAIROBI, Jan 15 (Reuters) - Paris-based Reporters Without Borders (RSF) has asked Somali authorities to release two radio journalists, and condemned the interim government for what it called a flagrant violation of press freedom. The media rights organisation says Somalia is the second most dangerous place for journalists after Iraq. Eight journalists were killed there in 2007. "The civilian government's indifference about the safety and freedom of Somali journalists is astounding," the body said in an statement issued late on Monday. "The authorities not only refuse to protect them from targeted murders but also continue to let the security forces carry out arbitrary arrests without any explanation." RSF said security agents stormed Radio Somaliweyn studios on Sunday and arrested its manager and a journalist. "The international community should ask the government to explain its abdication of responsibility in the face of repeated press freedom violations," RSF said. On Saturday, four unidentified gunmen shot a journalist in the face as he left work at a community radio station where staff had been receiving anonymous death threats. Most foreign journalists have steered clear of the anarchic capital and many local reporters have fled the violence. The government accuses Somali journalists of fanning an insurgency by giving its leaders airtime and exaggerating their attacks. The Islamist insurgents have also criticised the media for being too close to the government. (Writing by Helen Nyambura-Mwaura; editing by Robert Woodward)
U.S. Defense Secretary Robert Gates (R) hosts an honor cordon to welcome Iraq's Defense Minister Abdel Qader Jassim to the Pentagon in Washington January 10, 2008. REUTERS/Hyungwon Kang (UNITED STATES) ...
