Director-General condemns killing of journalist Abduwali Ali Hassan in Somalia

The Director-General of UNESCO, Audrey Azoulay, has called on the authorities to ensure better protection for the safety of journalists following the death of freelancer Abduwali Ali Hassan in the town of Afgoye in the Lower Shabelle region of Somalia on 16 February.

“I condemn the killing of Abduwali Ali Hassan,” said the Director-General. “Attacks on journalists generate a climate of fear that undermines press freedom and thereby weakens democracy. It is therefore of paramount importance that the authorities investigate this crime and spare no effort in improving journalists’ safety.”

Abduwali Ali Hassan, who reported for Mogadishu-based Kulmiye Radio and London-based Somali channel Universal TV, died as he was being rushed to hospital after he was shot by unidentified gunmen.

UNESCO promotes the safety of journalists through global awareness-raising, capacity building and a range of actions, notably in the framework of the UN Plan of Action on the Safety of Journalists and the Issue of Impunity.