Mogadishu, 12 October, 2014

The National Union of Somali Journalists (NUSOJ) condemns in the strongest terms possible the attack on the television journalist in Mogadishu’s Howlwadaag neighborhood in Mogadishu by unknown assailants.

Unknown Gunmen opened fire at Abdirisak Jama Elmi known as “Black”, the Director of Somali Channel Television in Mogadishu office, while seated outside his home in Black Sea area, in Howlwadaag neighborhood in Mogadishu around 12:00pm local time, witnesses and colleagues told NUSOJ.

He was immediately rushed to Madina Hospital for treatment and the doctors performed four hour long surgery. union officials were allowed to see the journalist and was in a very serious condition, although doctors are saying that he is in good condition. Some of his fingers were also wounded.

A witness told NUSOJ that a group of armed men on a car opened fire on the journalist while seated outside his home in Mogadishu’s Black Sea area and fled the area immediately.

“The journalist, Abdirisak Black, was working on assignment and stayed at the offices of the Television in Hamarjajab neighborhood last night.” Muse Jisow, a cameraman for the Television told NUSOJ at the Hospital, “After completing his assignment at the office, he left for home to get rest.”

The National Union of Somali Journalists are outrageous about the barbaric attack meant to weaken the ability of the journalists in serving for the public and call for the Somali government to carry out prompt investigation into the incident and bring the perpetrators to Justice.

“We condemn the attack in the strongest terms possible and call for immediate investigation.” Mohamed Ibrahim, NUSOJ Secretary General said, “The attackers must not escape unpunished.”

Abdirisak Black has been among the Media law review committee and has received death threats from the shabab for his involvement in the media law review process. Several other members of the committee were also threatened.

Two media workers have been killed in Somalia this year.

NUSOJ Newsletter newsletter@nusoj.org.so via madmimi.com