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NUSOJ launches campaign to end Impunity of Killing Journalists and
Media Workers in Somalia
Mogadishu Jimco 17 August 2012 SMC
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Somali media representatives, civil society organizations, human
rights advocacy groups, journalist and union officials gathered at
Sahafi Hotel in Mogadishu on August 16, 2012 to discuss the raising
concerns of the terrifying surge of journalists killings, the safety
of the working journalists, media impunity, lack of justice and way to
assist families of fallen colleagues, as part campaign to combat the
impunity and injustice launched by the National Union of Somali
Journalists (NUSOJ).
It has been a matter of concern that 10 journalists and media workers
were killed in Somalia since December last year, most surprisingly all
the attacks are happening in the government controlled areas and no
one has been held accountable for this heinous crimes against the
media practitioners, the conference noted raising concerns of who are
the actual killers? Are all related to the Shabab or there are other
elements who are targeted the messengers?
On his opening remarks, Mr. Mohamed Ibrahim, the Secretary General of
the National Union of Somali Journalists (NUSOJ) highlighted the
dangers the media practitioners and human rights defenders are facing
at a time the country is in transition which is due to end this month,
the continued targeted attacks and the government’s inability to
conduct investigations and bring the killers to court, is becoming a
real threat to the lives of other living journalists
“Enough is enough, we can not wait until we are all killed,” Mohamed
Ibrahim, NUSOJ Secretary General said, “It is time we seek justice for
our fallen fellow journalists and the criminals are accounted and
bring them to court.”
The National Union of Somali Journalists (NUSOJ) believes that if the
government opens independent investigations into the killings and
bring them to court of law could lessen the targeted assassinations
against the journalists and media workers, which is meant to sabotage
the free flow of information.
"We will not be intimidated by these heartless assassins and urge the
government and the African Union mission in Somalia to carry out
investigations into the killings of journalists and do not let the
killers to walk freely. NUSOJ and Somali Media fraternity will not
rest until the killers are accounted for their crimes." Mr. Ibrahim
said, "I take this opportunity to thank Doha Center for Media freedom
for their vivid cooperation and generous support to the Somali
journalists in need for help, thanking the support they have provided
the wounded journalists in Somalia."
The conference acknowledged the fact that the outnumbering targeted
killings, death threats, intimidations and the lack of investigations
into the murder cases followed by fear for safety have profound affect
to the lives of the media practitioners. It was also noted that there
are other elements besides Shabab that are targeting the journalists.
“Dear friends, there are other criminals who are targeting us in the
government controlled areas besides the Shabab, which we will have to
be very careful about it.” Abdullahi Ali Farah, Director of SIMBA
radio said
The conference underlined that, condemnation was not helpful when one
of our journalists is killed but more solidarity among the community
is needed. “We need to focus the reality and speak with the
government, put them pressure to investigate these crimes.”
Osman Abdullahi Guure, Director of Radio Kulmiye urged conference
participants to take measure in ensuring the safety of their staff,
“Every media station has to provide security, especially those working
late at nights.”
The conference raised that the importance to assist families of fallen
colleagues and seek way to support them. “As you know the widows and
orphans of killed journalists and media workers are in need of support
and we must find ways to help them.” Abdirashid Abdulle Abikar, NUSOJ
Treasurer said. It was agreed that this issue be discussed to another
upcoming meeting.
Somalia is becoming one of the most dangerous places to be a
journalist and each month a journalist is killed. The conference
participants praised the NUSOJ’s role in defending the rights of the
journalists and promoting the freedom of expression and the freedom of
the press. The conference also thanked Doha Center for Media (DCMF)
for their continued support to the Somali journalists in distress.
The Conference agreed NUSOJ take the lead in:
1. Engaging the relevant government institutions and discuss the best
possible ways to conduct urgent investigations into the killings of
the journalists.
2. To engage the African Union in Somalia (AMISOM) and how they can be
of help in carrying out such investigations.
3. To lobby among the local and the relevant international partners to
pressure the government in conducting these investigations
4. Urged NUSOJ to continue the lobbies until the criminals are brought
to justice.
5. Urged NUSOJ to conduct safety trainings in a bid to empower the
journalists ability to manage the risks.
6. Noted the importance to conduct Election reporting workshops a time
dozens of candidates are running for the presidential election by the
end of August.
By conducting these investigations could mean survival for the living
journalists. The launch of this campaign comes a crucial time the
Somali journalists and media workers worry their safety.
Similar conference took place in Nairobi, Kenya organized by the union
members led by Somali Exiled Journalists (SEJASS)
Click this link to see the photos:
nusoj.org.so/alerts/2012/August2012/NUSOJ_launches_campaign_to_end_impunity_of_killing_Journalists_and_Media_Workers_in_Somalia.htm
For further information, please contact:
National Union of Somali Journalists (NUSOJ)
Second Floor, Press House, Taleex Street, KM4 Area, Hodan District,
Mogadishu, Somalia, Tel: +252 1 859 944,
e-mail: nusoj@nusoj.org.so / nusojsomali@gmail.com or nusoj@ymail.com
E-Newsletter: newsletter@nusoj.org.so
Internet: http://www.nusoj.org.so
Follow us on Twitter: @NUSOJ_Somalia
Maxamuud Axmed Xasan
Web Updating, Somaliweyn Website
xuurshe20@hotmail.com - Xuurshe114@gmail.com
www.somaliweyn.com
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Somaliweyn Media Center (SMC)
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