Somalia appoints special prosecutor for investigating crimes against journalists

MOGADISHU, Somalia - The campaign to protect journalists from a litany of crimes against them garnered momentum on Wednesday after the federal government of Somalia gave in to some demands and appointed a special prosecutor who is tasked to investigate crimes committed against members of the fourth estate.

For decades now, practicing journalism in the war-torn nation has been equivalent to walking on a hangman's no due to stringent regulations, some based on the outdated penal code. This year alone, dozens of journalists have been prosecuted and jailed for covering what the government believes "is not right".

Besides arbitrary arrests, intimidations, harassment, abductions, and alleged assassinations by security forces, Amnesty International also identified Al-Shabaab as another dangerous enemy for journalists in Somalia. The group has been targeting reporters they accuse of "bias".

But Attorney General Suleyman Mohamud has now appointed a special prosecutor who will handle all cases pertaining to journalists in what has been hailed as a major step towards decriminalizing journalism in the Horn of Africa nation. However, the appointee is yet to be unveiled in public.

Attorney General Suleyman Mohamud said: “Pursuant to the order of the Banadir Regional Court referred to as MGB / XG / 02/2020, issued on 21 May 2020, regarding the investigation into the killings of journalists in the country, the Attorney General has appointed a special prosecutor to investigate. , and follow up on the killings of journalists to bring to justice those who organized, planned, and carried out the killings of journalists…… In accordance with Somali law and international law, the Office of the Attorney General guarantees the safety of witnesses which will be strictly observed.”

The new development has been lauded by various stakeholders who have for a long time called for reforms in Somalia, a country where working as a journalist is almost a tall order. Several reporters have either disappeared, arrested, or killed under controversial circumstances in the country.

"We welcome the nomination of a special prosecutor to investigate 50 cases of assassinated journalists following NUSOJ official request. This is a major step to end impunity and protect journalists in the deadliest country for reporters in sub-Saharan Africa," Reporters Sans Frontiers said in a tweet.

"We do not want our ears to hear in the future that Somalia still is one of the first countries in the world that perpetrators who commit violence against journalists go unpunished,” Mohamed Moalimuu Secretary-General of the Federation of Somali Journalists said.

Villa Somalia, which has been hugely linked to the reporters' predicaments, also welcomed the step by the Attorney General, arguing that the decision would boost the freedom of speech and media, adding that it will also end impunity against journalists.

"Our Journalists spoke, the government listened. The Office of the Special Prosecutor for Crimes Against Journalists is now officially established. FGS will continue working with the media and the civil society towards Media Safety and zero impunity against journalists in Somalia," said Abdinur Mohamed, the director communications at Villa Somalia.

GAROWE ONLINE