SMSJ has remembered the International Day to End Impunity for Crimes against Journalists (IDEI) – 2022
Mogadishu, November 3, 2022 – With the support of IMS/FOJO, The Somali Mechanism for the Safety of Journalists (SMSJ), a network coalition of seven journalists’ unions and media houses associations, on Wednesday, November 2, 2022 observed the International Day to End Impunity for Crimes against Journalists (IDEI) – 2022 at Jazeera Hotel, Mogadishu, Somalia.
The intention of remembering the IDEI event annually observed globally is to signify and draw attention to crimes against media workers and how criminals often get away with such offences.
The day also serves to remind the states to do their best to contain violence against journalists, ensure accountability, and bring perpetrators to justice.
The IDEI occasion has been participated by Lt. Colonel Hassan Ali Nur Shuute, Chairman of the Military Court, Abukar Al Badri from IMS/FJO media managers, media associations, CSO and other guests.
In his opening remarks, Farah Omar Nur, Chairman of SMSJ and SG of FESOJ, pointed out that today marks when two French journalists, Claude Verlon and Ghislaine Dupont, were killed in Mali on November 2, 2013, and the offenders have not been detained until today.
“There is a need for the world to be aware and not to be silent, and the crimes against the journalists should be followed up, investigated, and the offenders brought to justice. But, unfortunately, only one out of ten cases get justice.” Farah Omar Nur Said.
On their part, the members from the other organizations speaking at the event have indicated the significance of protecting the rights of journalists and, at the same time, allowing them to get access to equal justice.
Abukar Al Badri, Program Coordinator from IMS/FOJO on his part briefly detailed the difference between the general media (Radio, TVs, Newspapers, etc) and the social media, which are wrongly mixed together.
He added that Somali journalists work very hard and do not commit many mistakes, however, suffer the most impact of violence. He further asked the government to implement the media law that have been signed before twice, once in early 2016 by President Hassan Sheik Mohamud, then revised and signed by former President Mohamed Abdullahi Farmajo, early last year, both times, the media law has not been implemented.
From his side, Mohamed Abduwahab, Director of Radio Risaala said “ The journalists serve the community, but in the context of Somalia ,we have many burdens which is impunity for the crimes against the journalists , at times, the convicted offender is not detained and remains at large”
“There is need for ending the impunity for crimes against the journalists, and bring the offender to justice and reach verdict, this will eventually decrease the dangerous violence subjected to the journalists.” Mohamed Osman Makaran , Secretary General of SOMA said speaking at the event.
“In 2021 many media houses were raided, many were wounded, number of journalists were threatened, and all of them have not received justice. Eleven cases have been recorded last year in Mogadishu and in the regions, which have not been brought to court. “Mohamed Osman Makaran added.
Lt. Colonel Hassan Ali Nur Shuute , Chairman of the Military Court speaking about the various cases the military court has handled and serving justice to many Somalia journalists that have experienced violence.
“In fact, Somalia is one the countries that have imposed tough punishment and took firm position on the impunity for crimes against the journalists” Lt. Colonel Hassan Ali Nur Shuute explained.
In Conclusion, Farah Omar Nur, Chairman of SMSJ and SG of FESOJ concluded the event by appreciating the participants for their time and called the Somali journalists to move forward with the success achieved so far.
