Goobjoog Media Group calls for probe into kidnap of its staffer after release

Goobjoog Media Group has called on security apparatus to investigate the circumstances under which a journalist for one of its outlets was kidnapped Saturday and bring to book the perpetrators of the offence.

The Group’s director Hassan Mohamud said in a statement Sunday the onus was on the security organs to probe the incident whose motive still remains unknown.

“The circumstances surrounding his kidnap still remain unknown to us and procedurally it is the work of security agencies and relevant government institutions to carry out investigations and ensure not only the safety of Mr. Guled but also journalists in general in Somalia,” the media house said.

Doctors in Mogadishu said Guled was in fine health and released to his home but after the police interrogated him.

Goobjoog Media Group condemned the kidnapping but said will not deter its endevours in independent and authoritative reporting.

“The business of journalism has not been easy in this country and the kidnap of our colleague is a reminder of the very struggles journalists and media practitioners have to put up with every day. Even so, we remain unmoved and shall always, in solidarity with the rest of the industry strive to play our public watchdog role and promote the ideals of a just society,” said Hassan Mohamud.

A farmer in Afgooye, some 30 kilometres south of Mogadishu called Goobjoog News in the Sunday morning saying Guled had been found in his farm shackled. He was taken to Afgooye police station before being transferred to Mogadishu.