Somali Islamists lift radio ban

Gunmen loyal to Islamic courts took control of Mogadishu in June

A Somali radio station has resumed broadcasting after it was closed down by Islamist leaders for playing local love songs.

However, Radio Jowhar is no longer playing any music, even jingles.

The Union of Islamic Courts, which controls much of the south, is split between hardliners, who want Taleban-style rule, and moderates.

Some cinemas in Mogadishu have also been closed for showing foreign films but others are allowed to operate.

The BBC's Hassan Barise in the capital, Mogadishu, says Radio Jowhar did not get many adverts and so was dependent on the goodwill of the local administration to continue operating.

The warlord who controlled Jowhar before being chased out by the UIC in June used to provide free electricity and premises.

'Censorship'

"It is useless to air music and love songs for the people," said Jowhar Islamic official Sheik Mohamed Mohamoud Abdirahman.

Some residents were upset by the radio ban.

In Mogadishu people demonstrated against foreign intervention

"This directive is like the Taliban," Ali Musse told the AP news agency.

"It is censorship against independent media and freedom of expression."

But others point out that different Islamic Courts have different ideas about what is acceptable.

In some parts of Mogadishu, cinemas showing Bollywood films or international football have been closed down but these still operate in other areas of the city.

Our correspondent says the capital's radio stations are still broadcasting normally, playing all kinds of music, including western hip-hop and R 'n' B.