Somalia: Journalists detained by Federal Govt ‘in critical condition’

MOGADISHU, Somalia Sept 29, 2014 (Garowe Online)-Four journalists being held for allegedly defaming Somalia president by security forces went on hunger strike according to Shabelle radio director, Garowe Online reports.

In an interview with Garowe Online on Monday, Mohamed Musse said the four-Sky FM director Mohamud Mohamed Mahir (Arab), Shabelle media owner Abdimalik Yusuf, Radio Garowe correspondent Mohamed Bashir and Ahmed Abdi Hassan who works for Shabelle radio-are in critical health after harsh mistreatment.

“They have not faced trial and their health condition is deteriorating,” said Musse.

The jailed journalists who have been in custody for two months are subjected to torture and electrical punishments, sources confirmed.

Somalia is one of the worst countries for independent media according to press watchdogs, with dozens of reporters, mainly in central and southern Somalia living under constant threat by armed clan militias, ruthless terrorists and inept government soldiers. 

GAROWE ONLINE