Abdi Jeylani Malaq, also known as Marshaale, was the author of several television dramas that were critical of Al-Shabaab.
(NUSOJ/IFEX) – 31 July 2012 – The National Union of Somalia Journalists (NUSOJ) condemns the organized attacks on freedom of expression which have claimed the life of a media worker in Mogadishu.
Abdi Jeylani Malaq, known as Marshaale, who works for Universal TV as a television actor and producer, was tonight attacked at his home in Waberi district by three men armed with pistols who shot him in the head and both hands. He was immediately rushed to Madina hospital where he was declared dead after admission.
Marshaale, who is also a distinguished satirist and prominent member of the National Artists Team of Waberi, was the author or brains behind several television dramas that were critical of Al-Shabaab for recruiting children as soldiers and for the targeted killing of intellectuals.
“We condemn the brutal and sickening murder of television actor and producer Abdi Jeylani Malaq (Marshaale). We believe that this is part of the deadly campaign against the basic human right of freedom of expression,” said Omar Faruk Osman, NUSOJ Secretary General. “Marshaale, a satirist, was killed for exercising his freedom to speak his mind, which includes the freedom to use humour.”
In his television programmes, Marshaale made fun of Al-Shabaab forces, sometimes indirectly, along with the armed militias and politicians.
Marshaale is the seventh media worker killed in Somalia since January. Six journalists have been murdered so far this year in Mogadishu, Beledweyne and Galkayo.
