13 Somali journalists flee to Ethiopia

By Tesfa-alem Tekle

May19, 2008 (ADDIS ABABA) — Some 13 journalist serving in government and private media in Somalia crossed border to Ethiopia fleeing intimidations and persecutions of Al-Shabab, who are the military wing o f the Islamic Courts Union (ICU).

The journalists who entered the country told WIC yesterday that Al-Shabab has currently been murdering journalists working with concerned bodies striving to bring peace and order in that country.

The terrorist group does not want activities of the Somali Transitional Government, African Union (AU) troops and other institutions working to bring peace and stability in that country to be reported in a balanced and fair manner.

Mohamed Nor Mo’alim, a journalists serving in the government radio station stated that he was repeatedly threatened to death for reporting the efforts of the Transitional Government towards ensuring peace in Somalia.

Kadar Shardi Ahmed, from Radio Somali Weyn on his part expressed that his father and brother were murdered by Al-Shabab group for producing programs of immense importance for the country’s peace and stability.

Fardowsa Mohammed, Universal Television journalist, who left Somalia along with her four children on her part stated that she lost her brother and repeatedly threatened by the terrorist group as she became famous for producing programs featuring the reality on the ground.

The journalists indicated that Al-Shabab threatens even their families through telephone, postal and other means.

The terrorist group has reportedly been harassing pro-government Somali nationals, they said further appealing for the international community to halt its ill acts.

The journalists from state owned media, Horn Afrik, Darban Radio, Banadir Radio, Afrikada Bari, Universal TV, GBC, among others made request for political asylum, it was learnt.

(ST)