Mogadishu(Mogadishu24)-The Somali Journalists Syndicate (SJS) has called for increased protection of journalists in Somalia, marking World Press Freedom Day 2024 with a strong plea against the impunity currently endangering media freedom. Amid growing threats and intimidation aimed at stifling free press, SJS has documented several distressing incidents from January to April 2024, emphasizing the urgent need for enhanced safety measures for media personnel.
Throughout Somalia, including Mogadishu, Gedo, Puntland, Somaliland, and Galmudug, ten journalists have been arbitrarily detained this year, with one journalist tragically killed and another injured in a bombing. The targeted harassment extends to legal representatives, with five lawyers in Somaliland facing prosecution threats and license revocations for defending journalists.
The Somali Journalists Syndicate itself has faced significant obstructions, with frozen bank accounts and baseless criminal charges threatening its operations according to statement. SJS Secretary-General Abdalle Mumin highlighted the vital role of a free press in upholding democracy and accountability and called for all stakeholders to unite in safeguarding journalists and ending the culture of impunity that threatens their essential work.