Originally posted by the Voice of America.
Voice of America content is produced by the Voice of America,
a United States federal government-sponsored entity, and is in
the public domain.


Despite Less Killings, Somali Journalists Remain Targets

Mohammed Yusuf

   NAIROBI, KENYA - In 2019, two journalists were killed in Somalia, a low
   number by Somali standards. More than 50 journalists were arrested,
   however, and 81 were attacked while doing their job, according to the
   [1]Somali Journalists Syndicate. The group defends the rights of the
   journalists in Horn of Africa nations. The group says Somali security
   agencies stopped journalists 15 times in accessing government offices
   and areas.

   In a new report, the Somalia Journalists Syndicate says the country's
   politicians, security officers, and government workers often interfere
   with the work of reporters and media professionals in the country.

   Abdalle Ahmed Mumin is the secretary-general of the organization.

   "The report says 81 journalists were physically assaulted during 2019.
   Seven media houses were shut in different places in the caountry, 53
   journalists were arrested in a different situation, and majority of
   them were released without charge in a very short time. Three
   journalists were wounded. Two of them sustained gunshot wounds," said
   Mumin.

   Unlike previous years where dozens of journalists were killed, in 2019
   only two journalists were killed, both in a hotel attack in Kismayo.

   Increased threats

   The report shows, though, increased threats against journalists,
   especially those reporting on authorities' problems fighting terror
   group al-Shabab, and on human rights issues.

References

   1. https://sjsyndicate.org/

.