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Alert

Senior journalist survives murder attempt

(NUSOJ/IFEX) - The National Union of Somali Journalists (NUSOJ) is shocked by the attempted murder of senior journalist Hassan Mohamed Jama, director of Radio Galkayo in Puntland.

On 19 December 2009, an armed Puntland police officer who was guarding Galkayo Airport opened fire on Jama, but luckily two bullets passed through his trousers. Jama, who had come to the airport to receive a friend, escaped after the airport security guard continued firing at him.

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," he said.

The police reportedly stated that the attacker escaped with his gun and has not been taken into custody so far.

NUSOJ calls upon Puntland authorities to do everything in their control to find the person responsible for this murder attempt, to bring him to justice and 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 the safety of journalists is the foundation of assuring the security of Puntland and the human rights of people in Puntland," Burhan Ahmed added.