Head of UNESCO strongly deplores the assassination of Somali freelance journalist

The Director-General of UNESCO, Irina Bokova, today called for measures to improve the safety of journalists in Somalia following the killing of journalist Abdirisak Ali Abdi, who was shot dead in the town of Galkayo in Somalia on 18 November.

“I condemn the killing of Abdirisak Ali Abdi,” said the Director-General. “I call on the authorities to take every possible measure to protect the safety of journalists and to improve their ability to do their work keeping the public informed. Every effort must be made to bring those responsible for the killing of Abdirisak Ali Abdi to trial.”

Abdi, 25, was shot dead by two assailants in a restaurant in Galkayo in Puntland on Tuesday. He was a contributor to various media including Radio Daljir andHornCable TV.

The Director-General of UNESCO issues statements on the killing of media workers in line with Resolution 29 adopted by UNESCO Member States at the Organization’s General Conference of 1997, entitled “Condemnation of Violence against Journalists.”

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