UNESCO says killers of journalist must be brought to justice

UNESCO made the call in a statement at the UN Headquarters in New York on Monday.

Abdulle, 27, was shot dead on May 2, by unidentified gunmen in the village of Garsoor in Central Somalia.

He was a reporter for the Galkayo Branch of Radio Daljir and the fifth journalist to be murdered in the Horn of Africa nation since the beginning of the year.

“Every effort must, therefore, be deployed to find the killers of Farhan James Abdulle and bring them to justice,” the statement quoted UNESCO’s Director-General, Irina Bokova, as saying.

She, however, said “there must be no impunity. ’’

Bokova noted that the deceased was a “fervent defender of press freedom” and fought for improved security for journalists.

“His tragic death, on the eve of World Press Freedom Day, deprives the people of Somalia of a voice that spoke out for their right to be informed and their right to freedom of expression.

“The construction of a robust democracy is a complex task, especially in those countries emerging from conflict.

“Press Freedom plays a vital role in this and journalists must be able to work without fearing for their lives, if they are to fulfil their responsibilities,’’ Bokova stated. (NAN) 

Keydmedia.net - Washington