The International Federation of Journalists today condemned the detention of Somali journalist Abdirisak Ahmed Absuge who was arrested 5 March by the authorities of the Middle Shebelle region.

“The authorities should either release Absuge or charge him. They can not indiscriminately detain journalists without reason,” said Aidan White, IFJ General Secretary.

This latest event comes shortly after the murder of BBC journalist Kate Peyton which raised many concerns regarding the protection and safety of media professionals in Somalia.

In a meeting today with the IFJ in Brussels, Omar Faruk Osman, Secretary General of the IFJ affiliate, Somali Journalists’ Network (SOJON) said, “this is the latest malicious act against the independence of journalists in our country. Despite the establishment of the Transitional Federal Government,warlords continue to flagrantly violate the rights of journalists”.

“The Somali Journalists network is struggling against the odds to stand up for press freedom in a country ravaged by civil war. They deserve the support of journalists around the world,” added White. “The Prime Minister Ali Mohamed Ghedi must do more to establish a free press and respect for journalists’ rights.”

SOJON monitors and documents attacks on journalists and press freedom in Somalia. The IFJ welcomes the SOJON’s commitment to upholding the values of free journalism and creating a common dialogue between media professionals.

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The IFJ represents over 500,000 journalists in more than 110 countries