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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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Press Freedom

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 ...