FESOJ remembering the International Day to End Impunity for Crimes against journalists (IDEI)-2024
Mogadishu city, Sunday November 3, 2024: With the support of UNSOM now succeeded by the UN Transitional Assistance Mission in Somalia (UNTMIS), the Federation of Somali Journalists (FESOJ) has concluded a Panel Discussion on observing the International Day to End Impunity for crimes against journalists on November 2, 2024 at the Peace Garden in Mogadishu, Somalia.
The panel discussion event marking the 2024 IDEI occasion was intended to promote freedom of expression and the rule of law by promoting journalists’ safety and ending impunity in Somalia.
“This event marks the 10th anniversary of the first IDEI held in 2014, there have been many journalist’s harassment incidents taking place in the country, and no one has been prosecuted. It’s important for the civil society and journalists to stand up for the safety of Journalists, we must find a legal way to protect journalists.” Farah Omar Nur, FESOJ Secretary General stated in his opening remarks.
Before starting the panel discussion session, Ahmed Ali Mohamed, Head of FESOJ Training Department conducted brief presentation dealing with the history of the event.
He informed the participants its planned global event marking the IDEI -2024, that will take place at the African Union (AU) headquarters in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia from 6-7 November 2024 under the theme of Safety of Journalists in Crises and Emergencies.
Furthermore, he mentioned, the event was set up to decrease abuses against the journalists and the rule of law be respected, advocate for press freedom, protect freedom of expression, and the journalists can work freely and express their opinion without fear.
Then, a panel discussion session has been followed lead by five panelists including Duniya Mohamed from the Civil Society Organizations (CSO), Avv Iman Abdikarin from Hiil law Firm, Aweys Hassan, journalist, Abdirahman Mohamed Kulane, journalist with special needs and Iqra Said, female journalist and writer, while Mohamed Mohamud Adde, veteran journalists moderating the panel session proceeding.
The panelists have discussed and debated on the significance of the IDEI event, the challenges media and journalists are facing and how to address the impunity for crimes against the journalists and the media in Somalia.
During the one-hour long panel discussions, the following main topics have been raised and debated including on the need to follow – up cases of violence against journalists and introduce strong law for implementation, to get official information and conduct community awareness improving the safety of journalists, still there is no full account of harm inflicted on journalists and the journalists with disability get no care and no advocacy campaign similar to the able journalists.
Thereafter, A three -minute video clip has been presented showing Abdirizak Black, a journalist detailing that he was attacked and seriously wounded on October 12, 2014, 10 years ago when group of armed groups shot him as he was leaving his house to go to work.
“I have suffered from that injury for years, lost important parts of his body and was taken abroad and being treated. The mental injuries I have sustained were worse than the physical wound” Abdirizak Black explained in the video clip.
“Until now I don’t know who targeted me, when I recovered it was difficult for me to socialize because I can’t recognize my enemies but they recognize me” he pointed out.
“As today is the 10th Anniversary of marking the International Day to End impunity for Crimes against Journalists, I have not yet received justice, so I suggest special review to be given to ensure justice for the journalists.”
In addition, on the occasion of observing IDEI – 2024, FESOJ and Hiil Law Firm has signed MOU to cooperate and provide legal service for defending the journalists, whenever necessary.
In conclusion, all the participants have made brief march within the Peace Garden promises and showed placards signifying the importance of observing the international day to end impunity for crimes against journalists (IDEI) – 2024.