NUSOJ hails appointment of Special Prosecutor, says a step to end impunity against journos
NUSOJ hails appointment of Special Prosecutor, says a step to end impunity against journos
NUSOJ hails appointment of Special Prosecutor, says a step to end impunity against journos
The National Union of Journalists (NUSOJ) has welcomed the appointment of a special prosecutor to investigate and try the killings of journalists in Somalia.
NUSOJ said in a statement the announcement by the Attorney General Suleyman Mohamud to appoint a special prosecutor was a step forward in ending impunity against journalists in Somalia.
“This declaration by the Attorney General is a significant step in the right direction to put an end to this scourge of impunity of crimes committed against Somali journalists’,” NUSOJ Secretary’ General Omar Farouk said.
“We believe that this appointment is in line with our concerns and requirements by the Court. We are very proud to have taken this bold action against journalists’ killers”.
The appointment of the prosecutor follows a petition by NUSOJ which Banaadir Regional Court ruled in favour in May this year ordering the AG to act.
The AG said the prosecutor’s role will be to ‘ to investigate. , and follow up on the killings of journalists to bring to justice those who organized, planned and carried out the killings of journalists…… In accordance with Somali law and international law, the Office of the Attorney General guarantees the safety of witnesses which will be strictly observed.’
Journalists in Somalia have for many years suffered the brunt of killings, maiming and harassment with little or no legal recourse.
