Somalia:NUSOJ condemns judiciary harassment against investigative journalist
The National Union of Somali Journalists (NUSOJ expresses serious concern over continued judiciary harassment against investigative journalist Dahir Abdulle Alasow and his news websites,
Following publication of several articles about the work of Dahabshill Transfer Services Limited by Waagacusub Media, whose editor is Mr Alasow, Dahabshiil had sued the journalist in a court in Netherlands for defamation.
Dahir Abdulle Alasow, who is an investigative journalist based in Netherland, reportedly won three times court case and then agreed outside court settle with Dahabshiil but later again made an appeal against the last court ruling.
On 16 December, the court of appeal ruled against the journalist and ordered him to remove articles on his news website and publish an apology within seven days, failure to do so, the court ordered Mr Alasow to pay 250 euro per day as a penalty.
“We are totally against criminal defamation against journalists. Tyrannizing journalists for exercising their right to freedom of the press through the judiciary is criminalising journalism,” said Omar Faruk Osman, NUSOJ Secretary General.
“This case against Dahir Abdulle Alasow is a threat to freedom of expression and freedom of the press, and we therefore condemn it,” “Trailing journalists in a very expensive legal case is to make journalists bankrupt and instil fear in their hearts, which creates censorship”
NUSOJ calls on the legal proceedings against Dahir Abdulle Alasow to be dismissed. In defence of press freedom and freedom of expression, the union extends solidarity to Mr Alasow in this legal fight and will continue to monitor the trial.
The union also deplores attempt by hired goons to physically attack and harm Mr. Dahir Abdulle Alasow. NUSOJ urges Dutch law enforcement authorities to take appropriate action against the perpetrators and the masterminds.
