IFJ Vigorously Condemns the Brutal Killing of a Swedish Cameraman in Somalia

The International Federation of Journalist (IFJ) vigorously condemned today the brutal killing of a freelance Swedish cameraman during a demonstration organised by the Islamic Courts Union in Mogadishu, the Somali capital.

According to the Mogadishu based news group, Shabelle Media Network, the cameraman was shot in the heart and instantly died. The same source added that the perpetrators of this heinous crime and the reason of this killing are not yet known.

After three months of fighting against the warlords, the Islamic Courts militia seized much of southern Somalia, including the capital Mogadishu this month.

“We vigorously condemn this senseless and brutal killing” declared Gabriel Baglo, Director of IFJ Africa Office. “We urge the President of the African Union Commission, Alpha Oumar Konaré and the Secretary General of the United Nations, Kofi Annan to amplify their efforts to end the lawlessness in Somalia, where journalists and media workers continue to be killed with impunity.”

The interim government and the Islamic Courts Union should do everything possible to get and punish the perpetrators within the quickest possible time.
It could be recalled that last year, two journalists, BBC correspondent Kate Peyton and Duniya Muhyadin were both killed in Somalia. 

See also

Statement of the National Union of Somali Journalists (NUSOJ)


<font size="2">For further information contact the IFJ: +221 842 01 43</font><font size="2"> 
</font>The IFJ represents over 500,000 journalists in more than 110 countries