SOMALIA: Radio correspondent detained over shooting report

MAY 7, 2007
Posted June 7, 2007

Hassan Mayow, Radio Shabelle

HARASSED

Mayow, a correspondent for the leading independent station Radio Shabelle, was detained overnight by government troops in Afgoye, 18 miles west of the capital, Mogadishu. The detention came in connection with a story on the killing of three food aid recipients allegedly shot by a soldier, according to the National Union of Somali Journalists (NUSOJ) and the radio.

Mayow was detained with his source for the report, a security official, Radio Shabelle reported. In an interview with Mayow from prison, the station quoted the journalist as saying that he had been called by an official to attend a purported news conference at the local district commissioner’s office, but was thrown in jail upon arrival.

He was released the following day after negotiations between the station and the local authorities, according to NUSOJ.