IFJ Calls for the Release of Radio Journalist in Somalia

24 Feb 2010 12:54 Africa/Lagos

IFJ Calls for the Release of Radio Journalist in Somalia


MOGADISHU, February 24, 2010/African Press Organization (APO)/ -- The International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) is deeply concerned about the security and safety of journalists in Somalia following the arrest of Ali Yusuf Adan a Radio journalist in Wanlaweyn who was detained on Sunday, 21 February 2010, in the district of lower Shabelle region, controlled by the Al Shabaab Administration.


“We firmly condemn this arrest which adds to our concerns for the safety of our colleagues in Somalia . This climate of terror against the journalists is unacceptable,” declared Gabriel Baglo, Director of IFJ Africa Office. “Urgent measures are needed urgently to address the situation in this country where journalists continue to pay a heavy price only for doing their work”.


The arrest of Ali Yusuf Adan, a correspondent of Radio Somaliweyn for Lower Shabelle region, came shortly after he had published a report about the Al-Shabab militias who shot a man over prayer delay in Wanlaweyn. On 20 February, he was arrested by the Al-Shabaab administration in the region and was later transferred to a prison in Merca town, headquarters of Lower Shabelle region. Local sources say this report might be behind his arrest but Al-Shabaab has not disclosed their reason for the journalist's detention.


According to the National Union of Somali Journalists (NUSOJ), despite the censorship imposed by the Al-Shabaab on the media which led many journalists to flee the territories under their control, some journalists are still working in these areas under these harsh conditions.


“We are concerned about the safety of Ali Yusuf Adan. We demand the safe return of the journalist. Al-Shabaab must stop their repressive actions,” said Omar Faruk Osman, NUSOJ Secretary General.


IFJ demands the immediate and unconditional release of Ali Yusuf Adan and call for an international action for Somalia . IFJ renews also its firm demand to Somali authorities to give top priority to the safety and the security of Somali journalists in order to guarantee press freedom in this country.


For more information, contact +221 33 867 95 87 +221 33 867 95 87


The IFJ represents over 600,000 journalists in 125 countries worldwide


Source: International Federation of Journalists (IFJ)