SOMPED Calls for Maintaining Press Freedom in Somalia as Journalists Celebrate Somali Journalist Day

Press Release No: 003-21/Jan/2010

The chairman of SOMPED has called for all Somalis to maintain press freedom and prevent any violence against journalists in Somalia as a time the Somali journalists celebrate the national day of Somali journalists, January 21st.

“All sides in the country, whether government or groups must have the responsibility to keep the rights of every journalist operating in the country and will be charged against contravening press freedom and freedom of expression,” said Farah Ahmed Atto, the chairman of Somali Media, Peace and Developments.

High profile ceremonies to celebrate the national day of Somali journalist have been held in Bossaso, Galkay’o and Garowe in the semi-autonomous region of Puntland which had been organized by SOMPED members, to personify a responsible and free press in the country. All those who cherish it, so commemorate the day.

The National Press Day on January 21st every year is commemorated in befitting manner by every journalist since the year 1973 when the first Somali journal was issued.

“Today is a symbolic day for Somali journalists and free media in the country and we should not forget all the tragedies we obtained, those include our beloved friends killed, wounded or arrested illegally”, Mr. Atto said in a statement released today.

The statement also appealed to ensure the safety of the press workers and prevent all kinds of abuses.

Government ministers, senior police and regional officers, traditional elders, women associations and local media leaders participated the commemoration of the Somali national press day held in Bossaso, Galka’yo and Garowe.

Similar ceremonies on January 21st had been held in Mogadishu and other Somali towns.

For More information contact SOMPED Chairman Farah Ahmed Atto at 00614 733-9396 or caato@somped.org.