PARLIAMENTARY EARLY DAY MOTION
Freedom of expression in Somalia (24 February 2020)

Motion Details

That this House is concerned by the new draft media law in Somalia that would restrict the right to freedom of expression; notes that the Federal Parliament of Somalia sought to amend media legislation to grant the Federal Ministry of Information extensive powers to interfere in the work of journalists and independent media houses, and impact on public interest reporting in country; further notes that the law has a number of unacceptably broad restrictions on the content of what may be published or broadcast, including a prohibition on false news, encouragement of tribalism, baseless propaganda and violating sound Somali culture; believes that the draft law would also establish a costly and unnecessary new system of prosecutors to bring and hear cases regarding media crimes; is concerned that the draft law includes legal sanctions for a long new list of media crimes which are vague and breaches a journalist’s right to confidential sources; agrees with the National Union of Journalists and the National Union of Somali journalists that the draft law could enable the Somali authorities at both Federal and State level to arbitrarily prosecute journalists to undercut free expression and access to information; and calls on the Government to press President of Somalia Mohamed Abdullahi Mohamed to think again about the draft legislation and to decline to sign the media law and to ensure that any proposed amendments are in line with Somalia’s constitutional and international obligations and commitments to respect, protect, promote and fulfil the right to freedom of expression.

Sponsored by:
Liz Saville Roberts (Plaid Cymru)

EDMS Sponsor By Party

Party
Votes
%
 
Scottish National Party
6
38%
 
 
Labour
3
19%
 
 
Conservative
2
13%
 
 
Independent
2
13%
 
 
Democratic Unionist Party
1
6%
 
 
Plaid Cymru
1
6%
 
 
Social Democratic & Labour Party
1
6%
 
Sponsor List (16 sponsors)
Party
Member
Constituency
SNP
Hannah Bardell
Ind
Apsana Begum
Poplar and Limehouse
Con
Bob Blackman
Harrow East
Con
Sir Peter Bottomley
SNP
Allan Dorans
Lab
Stephen Doughty
Cardiff South and Penarth
Ind
Jonathan Edwards
SNP
Marion Fellows
SDLP
Claire Hanna
Belfast South and Mid Down
SNP
Chris Law
Dundee Central
Lab
Grahame Morris
Easington
PC
Liz Saville Roberts (Sponsor)
Dwyfor Meirionnydd
DUP
Jim Shannon
Strangford
SNP
Chris Stephens
Lab
Graham Stringer
Blackley and Middleton South
SNP
Owen Thompson

Contains Parliamentary information licensed under the Open Parliament Licence v3.0.