IFJ Condemns Attempted Murder of senior Somali Journalist
The International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) has joined its affiliate, the National Union of Somali Journalists (NUSOJ), to strongly condemn the attempted murder of senior Somali journalist and TV personality, Abdirisak Jama Elmi (Black), on Sunday, October 12.
According to reports, Elmi, director of Somali Channel TV office in Mogadishu, was attacked when he was leaving his house in Howl-Wadag district. The TV journalist was hit by three bullets at the back and stomach, and is receiving treatment at Mogadishu’s Madina hospital.
“This is the latest example of the continued abuse of journalists and media workers in Somalia and the ongoing attempts to undermine press freedom and freedom of expression,” said IFJ President Jim Boumelha. “Despite repeated calls to ensure safety and security for journalists, violent attacks, threats, arrests and intimidations against journalists continue.”
Backing the IFJ stance, Omar Osman Faruk, NUSOJ Secretary General, said: “The government must act swiftly and decisively in this and all cases that have been building up for years in Somalia. Full prosecution of the perpetrators of such crimes is the only answer to reversing this history of impunity.”
Reports say that General Abdirahman Mohamed Turyare, head of the National Intelligence and Security Agency (NISA), has visited Elmi in hospital and announced that a thorough investigation will be carried out to find those responsible for the crime.
The NUSOJ has welcomed the positive government action, saying that it is the first time that NISA taken such steps in an assassination attempt.
For more information, please contact IFJ on + 32 2 235 22 17
The IFJ represents more than 600 000 journalists in 134 countries
