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Toronto, April 18, 2003 (International Freedom of Expression Exchange Clearing House): The International Federation of Journalists today called for action in Somalia to counter a "wave of terror" in the capital, Mogadishu, where a journalists' leader is in hiding, fearing for his life.
Omar Faruk Osman, an Internet journalist based in Mogadishu, is currently under threat from security police staff of the transitional government. "He is the latest victim in a wave of terror against journalists and civil rights activists that has reduced Mogadishu to a state of lawlessness," said Aidan White, IFJ General Secretary. The IFJ says social activists are harassed, killed, arrested, threatened, tortured and kidnapped by militia demanding money. Omar Faruk Osman, 27, was informed that he is being sought by the police on the orders of senior officials within the transition government. He was also sought at the office of the Somali Journalists Network (SOJON), where he is the Secretary General. Omar Faruk Osman is now in hiding.
Four gunmen tried to arrest him at the head office of Xidigta Xamar daily newspaper, which they entered three times on 16 April.
The IFJ is supporting the protests of the Somali Journalists Network over violations of press freedom and the hounding of Omar Faruk Osman. "This journalist is being victimized because of his role as a journalists' leader and his independent journalism. We shall do everything we can to support him," said the IFJ.
The IFJ represents more than 500,000 journalists in more than 100 countries.
For further information, contact the IFJ:
International Press Center
Residence Palace 155
Rue de la Loi - Bloc C
B-1040 Brussels, Belgium
tel: +322 235 2200
+322 235 2201
fax: +322 235 2219
e-mail: safety@ifj.org
Internet: http://www.ifj.org
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