Radio journalist shot in Somalia

Dakar, Senegal (PANA) - Mohamed Nur Mohamed, a radio journalist in Somalia, was shot by two gunmen in Mogadishu, the global press freedom body, Committee to Protect Journalist (CPJ) revealed Monday.

According to a CPJ statement, the journalist who works for 'Radio Bar-Kulan', a UN-sponsored radio broadcaster, was hit twice but survived the attack.

"We are very relieved to hear that Mohamed Nur Mohamed is recovering from the attack," said CPJ East Africa Consultant Tom Rhodes.

"This attack underlines the fact that Mogadishu remains a dangerous place to practice journalism despite recent improvements in security."

No one has claimed responsibility for the attack, but it was reported that police had detained three men and a woman on Saturday for questioning over the attack.

The journalist was said to be walking home in the 'Hamarjajab' neighborhood of the capital when the gunmen attacked him and then fled the scene.

Mohamed's colleagues then took him to the hospital where he was said to be in a stable condition.

According to CPJ, the journalist also suffered injury in the suicide bomb attack on Somalia's National Theater last April.

He is considered one of Radio Bar-Kulan's best correspondents because he covers dangerous parts of Mogadishu where other journalists are afraid to go.''

''At least six journalists have been killed with impunity in Somalia this year, making it the most dangerous country in Africa to practice journalism,'' CPJ remarked.
-0- PANA MLJ/VAO 12June2012