Somali journalists have called for protection from violent crimes to enable them to work without fear or favor.
The journalists who had organized a forum ahead of the World Press Freedom Day marked globally on Wednesday described the dangerous conditions under which members of the news media must work.
The National Union of Somali Journalists (NUSOJ) Secretary-General Mohamed Ibrahim Moalimuu said 34 journalists have been killed in Somalia since 2012.
“Three journalists were assassinated last year; over 80 journalists have also been jailed in various regions of the country. You can imagine the challenges that exist, and Somalia is one of the hostile environments for journalists,” he said at a forum on Tuesday evening, according to a statement issued after the meeting.
The Committee to Protect Journalists ranks Somalia as one of the deadliest countries to work in, alongside Syria, Iraq, Yemen, Afghanistan and Libya.
The workshop attended by more than 30 journalists kicked off a series of activities that will commemorate World Press Freedom Day.
Attacks on journalists are frequent in Somalia, with analysts saying militants and criminals could be behind it.
Radio journalist Farhiya Mohamed Hassan urged the government to do more to protect journalists.
“The government needs to guarantee the freedom of expression required by journalists in reporting the issues affecting the public as well as ensuring justice for all,” Hassan said.
Farah Abdi Warsame, a photojournalist called on his colleagues to remain strong and resilient, adding that they have responsibilities as well as rights they must fulfill.
“The reports by journalists have to be factual and based on true events. Journalists are required to exercise impartiality. A journalist should also observe integrity and respect while doing his job,” Warsame noted.
Lawmaker and Chairperson of the Parliamentary Select Committee on Media Affairs Khalid Maow Abdulkadir stressed the importance of upholding freedom of expression, which he described as the basis for all forms of liberty. Enditem
Source: Xinhua/NewsGhana.com.gh
