Somalia – Detention of 19 Journalists

The ITUC has strongly backed a protest by the International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) over the Somali government’s detention of 19 journalists and the closure of independent radio stations. According to witnesses, three of the journalists were severely beaten in detention. The ITUC understands that a court has now extended the detention period of the three to 21 days.

According to witnesses, three of the journalists were severely beaten in detention. The ITUC understands that a court has now extended the detention period of the three to 21 days.

“Media workers in Somalia have been subjected to attacks, threats and intimidation from Al-Shabaab militants and they are now facing repression from the state itself. The Somali government should be standing up for freedom of the press, rather than shutting down independent media and detaining and beating journalists.

Media workers in many countries and conflict zones are facing intimidation, and tragically some are paying with their lives. Somalia can only move forward on the path of democracy if freedom of the press is guaranteed,” said ITUC General Secretary Sharan Burrow.