IFJ Condemns Killing of Journalist in Somalia

The International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) has today
condemned the murder of Hassan Mayow Hassan, a Somali journalist, who
was shot dead in the Afgoye District of lower Shabelle region in
southern Somalia.

"We strongly condemn this killing which marks a violent start of the
year for journalists in Somalia," said Aidan White, IFJ General
Secretary. "There is an urgent need to end violence against
journalists in Somalia and all warring factions must refrain from
targeting the media. We will redouble our efforts to assist Somali
journalists who, only a few days ago, took to the street to demand
protection and right to report freely."

According to the National Union of Somali Journalists (NUSOJ),
Hassan, 36 and journalist of Radio Shabelle was shot in the head twice
by a well known militiaman as he was with colleagues on their way to
cover a conflict between two armed groups in the Shabelle region, 30
km south of Mogadishu.

The IFJ supports the call from the Federation of African Journalists
(FAJ) for the international community to help bring Hassan's killer to
justice.

"The facts of this particular killing are horrifying. This was brutal
and cold murder. The United Nations and the African Union must help
the Somali interim government to bring the killer to justice," Added
White.

On 31 December, the IFJ published a list of journalists and media
personnel killed during 2008, including two journalists from Somalia.

"The African Union and world community must do all they can to create
conditions which enable journalists in Somalia to work without fear
for their lives," said Omar Faruk Osman, FAJ President.

For more information contact the IFJ at +32 2 235 2207

The IFJ represents over 600,000 journalists in 123 countries
worldwide

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National Union of Somali Journalists (NUSOJ) is a national union
representing Somali journalists to promote and protect freedom of the press
and the interests and rights of journalists.