IFJ condemns killing of Somali journalist

Dakar, Senegal (PANA) - The global press freedom body International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) has condemned the 31 July killing of Abdi Jeylani Malaq, a media worker in Mogadishu, Somalia.

According to IFJ, Malaq, who works for Universal TV as television actor and producer, was shot dead at his home in Waberi district by three armed men.

“We condemn this murder of a colleague. We call on the government to investigate the case and arrest those responsible for this awful act,” Gabriel Baglo, IFJ Africa Office Director, said in a statement.

Malaq’s attackers, armed with pistols, reportedly shot him in the head and in both hands. He was immediately rushed to the hospital, where he was pronounced dead after admission.

Omar Faruk Osman, the Secretary General of the National Union of Somalia Journalists, has also reacted to the killing.

“We condemn the brutal and sickening murder of television actor and producer Abdi Jeylani Malaq Marshaale,” he said, adding: “We believe that this is part of the deadly campaign against the basic human right of freedom of expression.”

Malaq is the seventh media worker to have been killed in Somalia since January, according to IFJ.
-0- PANA MLJ/SEG 2Aug2012