Restriction of Freedoms
Due to the imposition of martial law, freedom of speech, press, assembly, association, religion, and movement are all restricted on a de facto basis. Many of these rights are formally guaranteed de jure by the 2004 Transitional Federal Charter, yet the government has not been in any position to guarantee them, and in cases, has specifically abridged them.
Harassment and detention of journalists have occurred across the country, both by the Transitional Federal Government (TFG) and under the Islamic Courts Union. Somaliland has banned political demonstrations, and Puntland has outlawed opposition parties. Checkpoints around Somalia are manned by militia, who have at times extorted or killed civilians attempting to travel through the country. The right to privacy is also restricted.
On January 15 the TFG ordered independent radio and television stations closed down, citing national security. The next day, the media outlets were allowed to operate again.
Without a civil administration, ownership of weapons mushroomed, especially assault rifles, as did the possession of light weapons such as rocket launchers, antiaircraft guns, mortars and other explosives. The ICU and the TFG both imposed strict forms of gun control.
Read more about this topic: Human Rights In Somalia
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