The National Union of Somali Journalists (NUSOJ) is shocked by the death of veteran journalist Nur Muse Hussein (Nur Inji) who died on 26 May 2009 from injuries he sustained from a targeted shooting.
(NUSOJ/IFEX) – The National Union of Somali Journalists (NUSOJ) is shocked by the death of veteran journalist Nur Muse Hussein (Nur Inji) who died on 26 May 2009 from injuries he sustained from a targeted shooting in Central Somalia on 20 April. Nur Muse Hussein worked for Radio Voice of Holy Quran in Mogadishu as their correspondent in the central regions.
Nur Muse Hussein, 56, was wounded while he was trying to cover fighting in Beledweyne between militias loyal to Hiran Regional Administration and Hisbul Islam, an Islamic movement that operates in southern central regions of Somalia.
According to fellow journalists and his widow, Nur Muse Hussein was with three other journalists when wounded by one of the fighters after they identified themselves as journalists. A pedestrian walking behind the journalists reportedly died on the spot after being hit by the bullets that pierced through Nur Muse Hussein’s leg. Nur Muse Hussein was in serious condition since the attack but his condition deteriorated in the last week, according to his widow.
“Nur Muse Hussein paid greatly for his dedication to the journalistic profession. Today is another unforgettable and sad day for Somali journalist community,” Omar Faruk Osman, NUSOJ Secretary General. “Nur is the fourth journalist that became victim in this year for the crimes committed by the gun-carrying men in Somalia. The death of Nur Muse Hussein highlights the unacceptable, continuing and deliberate violence against journalists in Somalia.”
Nur Muse Hussein left behind five children and a widow.
Abdirisak Warsameh Mohamed, nicknamed Gadao, of Radio Shabelle was shot dead on the morning of 22 May by forces fighting in the neighbourhoods near Bakara Market in Mogadishu. He was killed as he was crossing the road near Wardhigley police station, according to the director of Radio Shabelle, Mukhtar Mohamed Hirabe.
Three men with pistols assassinated the well-respected Said Tahlil Ahmed, director of HornAfrik Radio in Mogadishu, on 4 February at around 2:45 p.m. (local time).
On 1 January, Hassan Mayow Hassan, a reporter for Radio Shabelle, was gunned down by a member of a pro-government militia in Afgoye, 30 kilometres south of Mogadishu. He is the first journalist killed in 2009 in the world.
