Abdullahi Omar Gedi, who was a newscaster and reporter for Radio Daljir, was stabbed several times in the chest and legs.
(NUSOJ/IFEX) – The National Union of Somali Journalists (NUSOJ) condemns the brutal murder of journalist Abdullahi Omar Gedi, who was stabbed to death in the Galkayo District of Mudug region around 8 pm on 31 August 2010. Gedi was a newscaster and reporter for Radio Daljir.
Gedi, 25, was attacked by unknown assailants who stabbed him at least six times in the chest and legs in Garsoor village. He died from his wounds on his way to the General Hospital of Galkayo, according to his colleagues at Radio Daljir. His mobile was also stolen.
“We deplore the barbaric killing of Abdullahi Omar Gedi. The Puntland authorities must catch the killers and the brains behind Gedi’s killing and bring them to justice,” said Burhan Ahmed Dahir, NUSOJ Puntland Coordinator.
The motive of the killing is still unknown and no one was arrested for this brutal act, though the police and Puntland Intelligence Service questioned pedestrians. “Many crimes against journalists were committed with impunity but this time we will not accept the evasion of justice. We need justice,” Burhan added.
The slaying is the latest in a string of attacks that have raised grave concerns about press freedom in Puntland. Abdifatah Jama Mire, director of Horseed Radio, is still being detained in Bossasso prison and is serving a six-year jail sentence.
Gedi, who worked for the Radio Daljir branch in Galkayo, is the third journalist to be killed in Somalia this year. Barkhad Awale Adan, the director of Hurmo Radio, was killed on 24 August 2010 in Mogadishu. Veteran journalist Sheik Nur Mohamed Abkey, who worked for Radio Mogadishu, was kidnapped and murdered on 4 May 2010 in Mogadishu.
