Wednesday, January 25, 2012
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In a country that lacked a centralized system of governance for years and seen a sharp rise in violence, freedom of speech and freedom of information are two long-forgotten issues.Abdisalan Sheikh Hassan, Senior reporter at Horn Cable Television Network was shot dead in Mogadishu on 18 December 2011. His name is on the list of victim of a long series of assassinations, harassments, attacks and kidnappings in the country for the last couple of years. This clearly depicts the challenges facing the Somali journalists.
Since 2007, killings of journalists has been on the rise in Somalia. Many more suffered deadly injuries and several arrested by either sides of the warring factions in Mogadishu.The year also saw a large number of journalists flee the country to escape persecution.
Mohamed Madale, a freelance journalist is a victim of a bomb blast in Mogadishu. Several students, government ministers and three journalists lost their lives. Mohamed survived and is still active in the field after recuperating in a Saudi hospital.
Abdinassir, a cameraman working for a local TV station then also suffered injuries after falling victim to a mortar incident that killed three civilians near Mogadishu stadium. He says the situation is unpredictable at all times. He demanded that both the government and the armed groups stop media repression in Somalia.
The National Union of Somali journalists has however been struggling to fight for media freedom in Somalia. The union has championed for the rights of journalists and has assisted in freeing journalists detained under unclear circumstances or seized while covering events.
Hundreds have fled the country after receiving threats from unknown people. The Exiled Somali Journalist Association has appealed to the international community to aid the refugee journalists.