NUSOJ Condemns the Attack on Journalist's home in Kismayo on Early Hours on Sunday Morning

MOGADISHU, Somalia, August 5, 2013/African Press Organization (APO)/ -- The National Union of Somali Journalists (NUSOJ) condemns in the strongest terms possible following attack on journalist's home in Kismayo on early hours on Sunday morning, around 2:00am local time.

Unknown gunmen attacked the home of a Somali journalist , Abdikhadar Iman dhaqane, a correspondent of Horncable Television, at Farjano neighborhood in Kismayo on the early hours on Sunday morning, around 2:00am local time.

According to NUSOJ sources, the gunmen opened fire at the house of the journalist, which he narrowly escaped. Several journalists today met with the administration there and informed the incident.

The National Union of Somali Journalists (NUSOJ) calls on the Federal Government of Somalia to carry out prompt investigations into the case and ensure the safety of the journalists in the volatile region of lower Jubba.

"We condemn all acts of violence against the journalists and particularly the attack on the house of our colleague, Abdikhadar Iman Dhaqane." Mohamed Ibrahim, NUSOJ Secretary General said, "It is still unfortunate that the attacks against the journalists continue in Kismayo, which will then not only force to self censorship but might result journalists to evacuate the area, which will result complete media silence."

On 17 July, two journalists, Mascuud Abdulahi Aadan, a correspondent for the Mogadishu based Dalsan Radio, was hit by the backbone and Mohamed Farah Sahal, a correspondent for the Mogadishu based Goobjoog radio, was hit at the right shoulder.

Doctors who treated both journalists in Kismayo hospital said that the bullet that hit Mohamed Farah Sahal of Goobjoog radio was removed successfully, but t said that they did not succeed in removing the bullet that hit Mascud of Dalsan radio on the backbone and his healthy condition is seriously deteriorating and might need outside medical treatment. Mascuud has been admitted to Madina Hospital in Mogadishu for treatment, but the doctors in Madina hospital as well said that

they are unable to remove the bullet at the back of the journalist.

It is planed to be taken to Nairobi on Monday morning. NUSOJ thanks to the organization who contributed assistance to the journalist Mascuud and hope his immediate recovery.

On May 29, armed assailants shot and wounded at the face Abdulkadir Abdirisak Jama nicknamed "Jiijiile", who works for the privately owned Royal Television based in the UK and Mustaqbal Radio based in Mogadishu, at Farjano neighborhood, surviving from an assassination attempt and the attackers has not been tried. The journalist is currently recovering in Mogadishu.