UN Special Representative of the Secretary-General regrets killing of a journalist in Gaalkacyo
Mogadishu – The Special Representative of the Secretary-General (SRSG) for Somalia, Nicholas Kay, has learnt with deep sorrow of the killing of Libaan Abdullahi Farah ‘Qaran’ a reporter of Somali Kalsan TV based in Gaalkacyo. Reports suggest that Libaan was shot dead last night while returning home from duty.
This is the fifth journalist to be murdered in 2013 therefore Somalia continues to be one of the most dangerous places to practice journalism in the world. SRSG Kay noted that this is a politically tense period in Puntland ahead of local elections and he called for restraint on the part of all political actors. He underscored the importance of protecting journalists and defending the freedom of the press.
SRSG Kay said: "My heartfelt condolences to the family and friends of Libaan Qaran, and to all media practitioners in Somalia. UNSOM is dedicated to working with Somali authorities to strengthen the security and justice sectors in order to ensure that Somalia is safe and that perpetrators of violent crime are brought to justice.”