FESOJ Strongly Condemns Female Journalist’s Torture and Injury

The Federation of Somali Journalists (FESOJ) strongly condemns the torture and injury inflicted by forces from the Somali Police Force to Fardowsa Mohamud Sahal, a journalist working with Radio Kulmiye News Network (KNN).

“Captain Sharma’arke Hassan Mohamud, the Hamar-weyne District Police Commander and an accompanying soldier tortured and threatened me near the statue of HawaTaako in the vicinity to the National Theatre in Mogadishu.” Fardowsa Mohamud Sahal said.

Fardowsa pointed out she was covering a rally staged by mothers complaining about their sons missing for three years at the hands of the government.

“The commander grabbed my hand and forcibly took my mobile phone and audio recorder (MP3).” Fardowsa Mohamud Sahal explained

“Then I tried to talk to the commander but before I could speak to him, one of his bodyguards grabbed me and threw me on the sidewalk and pointed the gun at me until the crowd gathered and seized the gun with the soldier.” Fardowsa continued.

She indicated to have sustained hand and hip injury; and now is in the hospital for check up and treatment.

“Missing at the hands of the commander is my mobile phone and MP3 recorder I was working with.” Fardowsa mentioned

As confirmed by Fardowsa, the forces have tortured her while reporting -live public demonstration ongoing at the vicinity of the National Theatre area in Mogadishu.

The journalist has sustained torture that have caused injury visible on several parts of her body.

On the other hand, the forces have confiscated the equipment with which she was working with including mobile phone for the journalists Fardowsa.

“This horrific act is detrimental to the work of the independent media and journalists. Therefore, I call on the Federal Government of Somalia to respond immediately to this dreadful act that is damaging to freedom of expression.” Abadir Abdulkadir Elmi, FESOJ President said.

“The equipment confiscated from the female journalist must be returned immediately.”FESOJ President Abaadir added.

End.

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