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In Vol 47 No 16, Africa Confidential reported that the BBC Somali Service and its head, Yusuf Garad, had been criticised for supporting the Supreme Islamic Courts Council regime in Mogadishu. Our correspondents have heard such criticisms from former and serving BBC journalists, as well as politicians and civic groups in Baidoa, Somaliland and Puntland. However, we are happy to print below the unedited response of the Head of the BBC's Africa and Middle East Service to these criticisms. We are equally happy to hear from other readers with informed opinions on this matter. Dear Sir, In your article 'Courts Without Authority' on 4 August you repeat a rumour that the BBC's Somali Service supports the Islamic Courts in Somalia and that the Head of Service is biased simply because of his birth.......

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