Somalilandsun: Renown cleric Sheikh Mustafa Haji Ismael Haruun has said that local journalists have forgotten importance of professional ethics.
The Islamic scholar was reacting to the arrest of Fifteen journalists in Hargeisa and their subsequent arraignment in court on charges of illegal activities and reporting of false information
The 15 were arrested on the 13th April outside the Central jail in Hargeisa as they reported, live, on a then ongoing riot by inmates.
He affirmed that it was prudent for reporters not to broadcast every incident that happens whenever it occurred. He added some instances touch on national security hence need to be over looked by journalists .
The cleric stated this while speaking to a congregation in South Africa. He reiterated that journalists have forgotten the importance of impartiallity in their work.
Sheikh Mustafa said our noblest prophet Muhamad PBUH stated the importance of double checking facts before reporting.
He went on to say “Prophet of Allah Muhamad PBUH stated that it is important for people not to believe whatever they hear before making sure it is the truth and nothing but the truth or else they will be counter to be liars.”
The famous Sheikh urged the people working in the media industry to be vigilant not to report whatever they see and hear.
“The media should work to bring people together instead of sowing discord, because they will be questioned in the hereafter.”
The cleric warned journalists who like to write and report about dirty linen of people to desist from this bad behaviour.
He said “The next generation of journalists on social media will write from Johanneburg.”
By: Guled Abdi Mahir
