NEW YORK, January 18, 2013/African Press Organization (APO)/ – The International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) today condemned the murder of Somali radio journalist Abdihared Osman Adan. According to the National Union of Somali Journalists (NUSOJ), an IFJ affiliate, Abdihared Osman Adan, 45, who worked for Radio Shabelle, was brutally killed today 18 January in an unprovoked attack by three unknown armed men who shot him in the Wadajir district of the capital, Mogadishu.

“The IFJ is deeply concerned over the rampant violence and killings of journalists in Somalia. We stand united in our efforts to condemn the unspeakable violence against media professionals and we will stand firm in demand on the authorities in Somalia to justice is done for the victim and his family,” said Gabriel Baglo, IFJ Africa director.

In a statement, NUSOJ condemned the murder of Abdihared Osman Adan, saying he was a brave journalist and one of the few journalists who could publicly criticize the ruling style of the government. He had, unlike the rest of his colleagues at Radio Shabelle station who live in the premises, decided to live at his home, NUSOJ added.

The IFJ joins his colleagues at Radio Shabelle and the NUSOJ to pay tribute to him and call on the authorities to immediately investigate the circumstances surrounding the murder.

“We hail the courage of our colleague. Authorities must punish those responsible for his murder and take all necessary measures so that journalists can practice their work in safe conditions,” Baglo added.

NUSOJ Secretary General Omar Faruk Osman called on the federal government of Somalia to create a special unit to protect journalists, enact a law on journalists’ safety and establish an independent institution with the mandate to investigate all criminal violations against media professionals, including advocates of freedom of expression.

Adan left behind a wife and two children. He is the ninth journalist from Radio Shabelle to be killed since 2007.

The number of Somali journalists killed has steadily been increasing lately, with a total of 18 journalists killed last year. Adan is the first journalist killed this year. The IFJ warned that the government’s failure to investigate the circumstances and the motives of the killings has only contributed to strengthen the climate of impunity in the country.

The IFJ is extending its sympathy and deepest condolences to the family, friends and colleagues of the journalist.

SOURCE

International Federation of Journalists (IFJ)

•Photo: Slain Somali journalist Abdihared Osman Adan.