World Association of News Publishers


World's Press Condemns Shooting Attack Against Somali Journalist, Calls for Greater Protections for Journalists

World's Press Condemns Shooting Attack Against Somali Journalist, Calls for Greater Protections for Journalists

Article ID:

22251

WAN-IFRA and the World Editors Forum have written to Abdiweli Mohamed Ali Gaas, President of Puntland, to express serious concern at a shooting attack by a police officer on a journalist and a growing climate of impunity ahead of elections scheduled for 2019.

According to reports, on 9 December an unidentified Puntland police officer fired several shots towards journalist Ahmed Sheikh Mohamed, Director-General of Daljir Radio in Bossasso, at close range as he was leaving the radio station’s offices. Mr Mohamed escaped unhurt.

When firing the shots, the officer reportedly shouted: “Why do you talk about Asad Diyaana?” Asad Osman Abdullahi, who is also known as Asad Diyaana, is a former head of the Puntland Security Force and a candidate in Puntland’s upcoming presidential elections slated for next month. The authorities have neither arrested the police officer nor confirmed a motive for the attack.

Read the full protest letter here.


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Andrew Heslop's picture

Andrew Heslop

Date

2018-12-13 15:23

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In countless countries, journalists, editors and publishers are physically attacked, imprisoned, censored, suspended or harassed for their work. WAN-IFRA is committed to defending freedom of expression by promoting a free and independent press around the world. Read more ...