Mogadishu, 9 July 2012 – The Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General for Somalia, Dr. Augustine P. Mahiga condemns in the strongest terms the assassination attempt on Abdulkadir Omar Abdulle, a journalist for Universal television, who was seriously injured on Saturday night when he was shot by two unidentified men near his home in the Wadajir district of Mogadishu.
"I call for the Somali authorities to take immediate action and do all that is necessary to conduct a full and independent investigation into this incident and to bring the perpetrators to justice”, SRSG Mahiga said.
“Journalists play a critical role in Somali society, especially in this time of political transition. The fundamental right of freedom of expression must be protected.” SRSG Mahiga emphasised “I pay tribute to the brave Somali journalists who continue to work in incredibly difficult conditions to keep the pressure on these criminal elements trying to intimidate them, and I send my wishes for a quick recovery from his injuries to Mr. Abdulle,” SRSG concluded.
Although security conditions in Mogadishu have improved in recent months, Somalia remains one of the most dangerous places in the world for media professionals, with several serious attacks already taking place this year.