Protest against police torture on journalist in Somaliland

MOGADISHU, Somalia, August 6, 2012/African Press Organization (APO)/ -- The National Union of Somali Journalists (NUSOJ) protests against the police torture on female television journalist in Somaliland while the journalist was doing her professional work.

On Saturday, 4 August 2012, Somaliland police in Borame town of Awdal region attacked Hodan Abokor Afi, a female reporter for Somaliland Television (SLNTV). The police attacked the body of Hodan by slapping her, beating her with plastic tubing, and damaging her face, in addition to insulting her. The suspected attacker is the deputy commander of Borame central police station.

Hodan Abokor Afi was investigating a disputed case of 12 years old child. The disputing “parents”, who were both claiming that the child is theirs, was being taken at the Borame central police station when Hodan was attacked.

“We condemn torturing of Hodan Abokor Afi, and we demand the Somaliland Ministry of Interior and the police chief to take immediate action against the responsible police officer,” said Omar Faruk Osman, NUSOJ Secretary General.

Hodan Abokor Afi filed a complaint at the central police station regarding this attack but it is understood that the case was not transferred to the Ministry of Interior as requested by the journalist since the alleged perpetrator is a public servant in the ministry of interior and has used force against the journalist.