NAIROBI – The Commission to Protect Journalists calls on Somali authorities to investigate the murder of journalist Mohamed Abukar Dabashe in the March 18 bombing by extremist group Al-Shabaab in Mogadishu, allowing journalists to do their jobs without fear of retaliation.
“Mohamed Abukar Dabashe’s death is devastating. Unfortunately, he joins a long list of Somali journalists killed in the attacks of Al Shabaab on immunity.” “Somali authorities should investigate the murder of Mohamed Abukar Dabashe from further threats and censorship of journalists already operating under difficult circumstances.”
Mohamed Abkar’s body was found in a collapsed building that was reportedly living near the scene of the attack. He has worked with Risaala Media Corporation until 2023 and has recently published journalism on Facebook, with Risaala director Mohamed Abduwahab Abdullahi telling CPJ.
Armed police attacked Lisara’s office about 20 minutes after broadcasting footage of the explosion scene, ordered radio and television channels from the air, and arrested reporters Ali Abdullahi Ibrahim and Hamda Hassan Ahmed. Camera operator Mohamed said Nur and Abdullahi Sharif Ali. Engineer Liban Abdullahihassan, also the executive director of the Somali Media Association and a statement by the syndicated rights group for Somali journalists.
The journalists were detained at the police station for about two hours, where they were warned not to broadcast such content and released for free. Lisara had resumed her operation by the evening.
Police also temporarily detained at least 17 other journalists at the scene of the attack and questioned them about their coverage at a local station. Three journalists familiar with the case told CPJ they were not appointed due to safety concerns.
Police spokesman Abdhifata Adan Hassan told CPJ over the phone that police were trying to verify the identity of the journalists on the site but did not arrest them, but Lisara staff were asked to leave the office for safety.
The CPJ’s call to request comment from Information Minister Daud Aweis was not answered.
