Senior Journalist Survives Murder Attempt

Khalid Yussuf

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22 December 2009
The National Union of Somali Journalists (NUSOJ) is startled about the attempted murder of senior journalist Hassan Mohamed Jama, director of Radio Galkayo in Puntland.
On Saturday 19 December 2009, an armed man from Puntland police who was guarding Galkayo Airport opened fire on Hassan Mohamed Jama, but luckily two bullets passed through his trouser. Mr Jama who at that time came to the airport to receive a friend of him escaped the sight after when the airport security guard continued firing Jama.
Hassan Mohamed Jama told NUSOJ that he does not know the reason behind the attack, which happened in broad daylight. “As journalists we have enemies and friends in town and in all public places. Almost everything we report is unpleasant news for someone” said Hassan Mohamed Jama.
The police reportedly stated that the attacker escaped with his gun and they did not take the assailant into custody so far.
NUSOJ calls upon Puntland authorities to do everything in their control to find this person responsible for this murder attempt and to bring him to justice to prevent such cases from occurring in the future.
“Puntland authorities must ensure that journalists work and live in conditions of safety,” said Burhan Ahmed Dahir, NUSOJ Puntland Coordinator.  “Guaranteeing safety of journalists is the foundation of assuring the security of Puntland and human rights of people in Puntland,” Burhan Ahmed added.
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For further information, contact:
National Union of Somali Journalists (NUSOJ)
Taleex Street, KM4 Area, Hodan District,
Mogadishu, Somalia, tel/fax: +252 1 859 944,
e-mail: newsletter@nusoj.org  
Internet: http://www.nusoj.org