Freelance Journalist Shot Dead in Puntand, NUSOJ Condemns the Murder

The National Union of Somali Journalists (NUSOJ) condemns in the strongest terms possible the murder against a freelance journalist in the central Somalia town of Galkacyo, Puntland on Tuesday evening, becoming the third journalist killed in Somalia this year.

Two armed assailants shot to death Abdirisak Ali Abdi nicknamed “Silver” who contributes to Radio Daljir and Horncable Television on Tuesday evening 18 November 2014 at Xero Daraawiishta area in north Galkacyo, controlled by Semi autonamous regions of Puntland, according to Radio Dajir and Media Association for Puntland (MAP), NUSOJ regional affiliate.

“The Journalist was killed by two hooded men in the town,” Mohamed Abduahi Kooshin, Director of Daljir Expansion and Policy development told NUSOJ by phone, “Attackers escaped the area immediately.”

The chairman of the Media Association to Puntland (MAP), Mr. Feysal Khalif also confirmed to NUSOJ about the attack.

No group claimed the responsibility of the attack.

The National Union of Somali Journalists (NUSOJ) condemns the attack in the strongest terms possible and calls for the Puntland authorities to immediate the perpetrators to Justice.

“We condemn the cold blooded murder of our colleague tonight.” Mohamed Ibrahim, NUSOJ Secretary General said, “The government must swiftly launch an independent investigation into the matter and bring the killers to justice.”

“The killers must not escape unpunished.” Mr. Ibrahim added.

The attack, which brings the number of journalists killed in Somalia to three, comes only days after a Dialogue with Somalia Security Forces on Safety of Journalists was concluded in Mogadishu. The conference was organized by UNESCO, under the auspices of the Somali Media Support Group and hosted by the United Nations Assistance Mission to Somalia.

At least 3 Journalists were wounded in Mogadishu in separate attacks in two months, making the profession more deadly.