UNESCO condemns murder of Waagasucub editor

The UNESCO Director-General Irina Bokova has condemned the murder of the Waagasucub website editor Abdullahi Ali Hussein who was shot dead on his way home a week ago.

Bokova said the murder of Hussein was an affront to media freedom and expression which is an essential component for any society.

“I condemn the killing of Abdullahi Ali Hussein,” the Director-General said. “Extremists must not be allowed to stifle freedom of expression with their violence and intimidation. Free and vibrant media, with committed journalists, have an essential contribution to make to the rule of law and good governance in Somalia,” said Bokova.

The murder of Hussein was one among a string of deaths and intimidation of journalists in Somalia over the years. There has also been no prosecution for the perpetrators of these heinous acts.