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Alert

Two journalists killed in Mogadishu suicide bombing, others injured

(NUSOJ/IFEX) - The National Union of Somali Journalists (NUSOJ) expresses anger, outrage and condemnation at the killing of two journalists in Mogadishu on the morning of 3 December 2009.

Mohamed Amin Adan Abdulle, 24, who was a reporter with Radio Shabelle, and Hassan Zubeyr Haji Hassan, a cameraman working with Al-Arabia TV, were killed in an explosion at Hotel Shamo in Mogadishu, where a Banadir University graduation ceremony was taking place.

Three ministers of the Transitional Federal Government (TFG) of Somalia, including the Health and Education Ministers who were attending the ceremony, and nine students were also killed in the attack.

"This is a monstrous murder. The shocking murder of Mohamed Amin and Hassan Zubeyr is coming after the murder of six journalists early this year. A circumstance where members of the Fourth Estate are murdered in cold blood is an attack on the nation, and the murderers and masterminds of this heinous act must be condemned . . . their existence and acts signify a severe risk for the safety of the people of Somalia," said Omar Faruk Osman, NUSOJ Secretary General.

With these two deaths, the number of journalists killed in Somalia in 2009 has risen to eight, making it another deadly year for media professionals in Somalia.

"This is an ominous reminder of the fact that this is not only a tragedy for the journalists but an assault on the peace and stability of Somalia and a threat to the security of its people," added Omar Faruk Osman.

NUSOJ is closely following the number of journalists victimised during the outrageous attack. Thus far, reports indicate that the following journalists were wounded:

1. Mohamed Aweys Mudey, reporter, Somaliweyn Radio
2. Abdulkadir Omar Abdulle, reporter, Universal TV
3. Mohamed Abdi Hussein, reporter, Hurmo Radio
4. Khalid Maki Banadir, cameraman, Universal TV
5. Omar Faruk, photographer for Reuters