Somalia: Journalists beaten by government soldiers, officials

MOGADISHU: The National Union of Somali Journalists (NUSOJ) has strongly condemned the actions of the Somali Transitional Federal government soldiers and officials who beat two journalists of Shabelle Radio in Mogadishu.

The two journalists Abdirisaq Adan Qoslaye and Adnan Mohamed Ali were harassed and beaten on Monday, 10 January 2011 by the spokesman of Banadir regional Administration Mohamed Abdullahi Arig and soldiers that he gave the order to beat the journalists.

Covering a sporting event

The journalists wanted to cover a ceremony which was being held in Banadir Administration headquarters for the Banadir football team who won the Cup of Somali Regions Tournament.

"I told the spokesman that we have a right to cover the ceremony and tell the Somali people the story of the sports, but he ordered the soldiers to take us out of the compound and he himself hit me on the neck," said Abdirisak Adan Qoslaye.

Spokesman Mohamed Abdullahi Arig said he would shoot reporter Qoslaye and photographer Adnan if they did not leave the place immediately.

Government officials threatened Shabelle Radio staff after the radio broadcasted a programme revealing corruption in the Mogadishu seaport.