NUSOJ Welcomes Somali Prime Minister’s Pledge for Justice to the Somali Journalists

Mohamed Ibrahim

The National Union of Somali Journalists (NUSOJ) welcomes the Somali Prime Minister’s pledge for justice both the slain journalists and the jailed journalist during meeting with the Somali Journalists and the media representatives on Saturday 16 February, 2013 held at the prime Minister’s office at Villa Somalia.
Journalists’ leaders and media representatives met with the Somali Prime Minister, Abdi farah Shirdoon at his office at Villa Somalia in a roundtable meeting. The minister of Information, Posts and Telecommunication, Abdullahi Elmoge Hersi and his deputy, Abdishakur Mire were also present at the meeting.
The Secretary General of the National Union of Somali Journalists (NUSOJ), Mohamed Ibrahim who spoke on behalf of the Somali Journalists at large raised the concerns of the Somali Journalists including getting justice for the slain colleague, the working conditions of the Somali journalists and getting fair trail for Abdilaziz Abdinur who was sentenced to one year in prison.
Somali prime minister, Abdi Farah Shirdon, responded to the concerns raised by the Union’s Secretary General and pledged justice for the slain journalists and the jailed journalist, Abdiaziz Abdinur Ibrahim.
“I respect the important work you do in Somalia in what are often extremely difficult circumstances and I understand your concern,” the Prime Minister said. “One journalist killed is one journalist too many. We don’t want any to be killed.”
The Prime Minister said the government would provide a reward of $50,000 for information leading to the arrest of any person involved in the murders of the slain journalists.
Regarding the case of Abdiaziz Abdinur Ibrahim, the prime minister said that, “after listening to your concerns, I will personally stand for making sure journalist Abdilasis gets a fair trail in the appeals court.”
The appeals court set 20 February, 2013 for the trail hearing of the appeal of Abdilasis against the one year prison term.
The National Union of Somali Journalists (NUSOJ) welcomes the prime minister’s pledge for justice to the slain Somali journalists and his personal commitment for justice for the trail of Abdiaziz Abdinur Ibrahim.
“We welcome the prime minister, Abdi Farah Shirdoon’s assurances for justice and respect for the freedom of the press and the freedom of expression.” Mohamed Ibrahim, Secretary General of the National Union of Somali Journalists (NUSOJ) said, “We urge the trail of the jailed
journalist be conducted without political interference.”