(Mogadishu, Somalia) The Somalia National Union of Journalists (NUSOJ) on Sunday released 2017 Annual Report “The Endless Violation Against Journalists and Media Workers” in the Somali capital Mogadishu.
The report analyzed the violations related to freedom of expression including killings, beatings arbitrary arrests and illegal detentions noting a steady rise in impunity.
Speaking at the release of the annual report elected Secretary General of the union Mohamed Moalimuu said 2017 was another unfortunate marked by deaths of Somali journalists.
“5 journalists were killed three of them died in explosions in the capital Mogadishu and South Central town of Beledweyne one was personally targeted in Mogadishu and another one died in a crossfire between Islamist militant group Alshabaab and African Union Peacekeepers “ Moalimuu said.
Nusoj documented 8 arrests of journalists in Somalia and the breakaway region of Somaliland. Two cases involved laws enacted by the Hargeisa administration regarding links with Somalia.
The rest of the arrests were directly linked to coverage, airing and publishing of stories that exposed corruption within regional authorities.
In 2017 Nusoj was in the forefront to push for the establishment of the Somalia Media Law which was tabled in Parliament on a first reading following consultation between the Legislature, Executive arm and the Media stakeholders.
While noting that the Union continued to enjoy good relation with the international community Secretary General Moalimuu asked IFJ to recognize the legitimate representatives of Somali journalists.
“Nusoj leaders diplomatically approached the IFJ leaders and invited them to send to Somalia a fact finding mission to find out exactly what is going on in Somalia and the reality on the ground but there has been no response yet from IFJ so far”
Among the recommendations made by the report are strengthening of the justice system and ending of unlawful detentions.
“Review the Somalia Media bill in line with the intended norms and standards and with the full participation of the Somali media stakeholders” Moalimuu asked.
