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Alert

Journalist Nur Muse Hussein shot while covering fighting between rival militia forces

(NUSOJ/IFEX) - The National Union of Somali Journalists (NUSOJ) condemns in strongest terms possible the injuring of veteran journalist Nur Muse Hussein of Radio Holy Quran, who was wounded on 20 April 2009 in Beledweyn town of Hiran region in central Somalia.

Nur Muse Hussein, 56, was wounded while he was trying to cover fighting in Beledweyn between militias loyal to Hiran Regional Administration and Hisbul Islam, an Islamic movement that operates in southern central regions of Somalia.

According to fellow journalists and his wife, Nur Muse Hussein who is publicly known as Nur Inji, was with three other journalists when shot by one of the fighters after they identified themselves as journalists. Two AK-47 bullets fractured his right leg. Nur Muse Hussein is in serious but stable condition, according to journalists in Beledweyne.

"This is a targeted shooting meant for journalists. Warring sides must stop targeting journalists. Our colleague Nur Muse is the latest victim of these organized crimes against journalists in Somalia," said Omar Faruk Osman, NUSOJ Secretary General.

In another case, NUSOJ welcomes the release of Muhyadin Hassan Mohammed of Radio Shabelle who was arrested in the Baidoa of Bay region. Al-Shabaab forces arrested the journalist at his home around 8:00 p.m. (local time) on 17 April 2009.

BACKGROUND:

Al-Shabaab forces arrested Muhyadin Hassan Mohamed from his home at around 20:00 hours (local time) on 17 April.

The Islamic administration in the Bay and Bakool regions accused the journalist of reporting "false news" about increasing roadblocks in Bay region, according to Radio Shabelle and journalists in Baidoa. Al-Shabaab reportedly called the journalist before arriving at his home to inquire about a news report he had broadcast earlier the same day. It was also reported that Al-Shabaab conditioned the release of the journalist on his revealing where he had received information on the roadblocks. Al-Shabaab claims that no roadblocks exist in the areas under their control.