It's Hazardous to Your Health Being a Journalist in Somalia

The National Union of Somali Journalists (NUSOJ) issued two alerts about the kidnapping or arrest of three reporters.

British reporter Colin Freeman and Spanish photographer José Cendón were kidnapped in the commercial city of Bossasso, in the Puntland province, northeastern Somalia.

Both were gathering news for the Daily Telegraph of London about the recent cases of pirate attacks off the Somali coast when they were kidnapped as they were leaving their hotel.

"This business of kidnapping journalists for any reason is unacceptable. Puntland authorities must immediately secure the liberty of these journalists while cooperating with intellectuals and clan elders in order not to put in danger their safety” said Omar Faruk Osman, NUSOJ Secretary General.

NUSOJ also reports that police arrested Hilal Sheik Shuayb, director of independent Warsa Radio in Baidoa, southwestern Somalia, after airing live the ruling of a judge who sentenced a soldier to death. The soldier had allegedly killed a police officer.

“Transitional Government and its regional administration in Baidoa are working to paralyze journalists’ independence and professionalism by forbidding them to report current issues, including important issues like this court case” said Osman. “Hilal Sheik did not cross his professional line of duty and he must gain his freedom immediately”.

The arrest apparently was ordered by local Governor Abdifatah Mohamed Ibrahim, who also happens to be a former owner of Warsa Radio.