23/05/07 (B396) JOURNALISTES DE SOMALIE – COMMUNIQUE (Info LDDH – En Anglais)

"While
we welcome the release of these three journalists, the agony caused by earlier
murder of their four colleagues in this year alone, still remains a serious
issue of concern. Journalists are human rights defenders, and their role is
recognised by Article 19 of the UN Declaration of Human Rights, and other
regional and International human rights instruments. Therefore, their work
must not be hindered, and they must be protected," says Hassan Shire
Sheikh, Chairperson, EHAHRDP/Net

Somalia Press Freedom Observer somaliapressfreedom@googlemail.com
wrote:

Three
TV Journalists Released In Mogadishu

22 May
2007

The
National Union of Somali Journalists (NUSOJ) is today welcoming the release
of three TV journalists who were were arrested on 8 April 2007 at Mogadishu
International Airport as they went there to cover a press conference.

Abdulkader Ashir Nadara, Bashir Diriye Naleye, and Hamud Mohammed Osman, who
are respectively the director, reporter and cameraman of Universal TV, a Somali
language worldwide television network, were released by Mogadishu court after
they were brought before court today.

Although specific charges against three journalists are unknown, the Judge
reportedly asked the journalists questions about their work.

"We welcome the release of our colleagues, and the judge’s decision that
they are not guilty of criminal charges is a success for press freedom"
said Omar Faruk Osman, Secretary General of NUSOJ. "We knew for all time
that they are guiltless and were carrying out their journalistic duties when
arrested"Omar added.

This information is disseminated by the National Union of Somali Journalists
(NUSOJ). NUSOJ takes the responsibility of the information expressed inside
this mail, and any organization, union or group is allowed to recopy or republish
this information.

For press freedom observations, email:
somaliapressfreedom@googlemail.com,

for all other correspondences, email:
faruk129@yahoo.com

Regional Coordination Office
EAST AND HORN OF AFRICA HUMAN RIGHTS DEFENDERS PROJECT (EHAHRDP)
Human Rights House, Plot 1853, Lulume Rd., Nsambya
P.O. Box 70356 Kampala, Uganda
Phone: +256-414-510263(general)/ext.112
+256-414-267118(direct)
Fax: +256-414-267117
E-mail: ehahrdp@yahoo.ca, hshire@yorku.ca

Website: http://www.yorku.ca/crs/AHRDP/index.html