Somalia / NUSOJ protests against beating of journalists

Somalia / NUSOJ protests against beating of journalists

MOGADISHU, January 11, 2011/African Press Organization (APO)/ --

The National Union of Somali Journalists (NUSOJ) strongly condemns today an action by Somali Transitional Federal government soldiers and officials who have beaten two journalists of radio Shabelle in Mogadishu.

The two journalists Abdirisaq Adan Qoslaye and Adnan Mohamed Ali were harassed and beaten on 10 January by the spokesman of Banadir regional Administration Mohamed Abdullahi Arig and soldiers that he gave the order to beat the journalists.

The journalists wanted to cover a ceremony which was being held in Banadir Administration headquarters for Banadir football team who won the cup of Somali regions tournament.

?I told the spokesman that we have a right to cover the ceremony and tell the Somali people the story of the sports, but he ordered the soldiers to take us out of the compound and he himself hit me on the neck,? said Abdirisak Adan Qoslaye.

Spokesman Mohamed Abdullahi Arig said he would shoot reporter Qoslaye and photographer Adnan if they did not leave the place immediately.

Government officials threatened Shabelle Radio Staff after the radio broadcasted a programme revealing a corruption in Mogadishu seaport.

Source: National Union of Somali Journalists (NUSOJ)

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