During 2019 attacks on the press and journalists increased by the security forces while access to information for both journalists and ordinary citizens suppressed.

Security forces in the federal and state level have carried multiple attacks on journalists in the line of duty.

"We express our concern about the lack of accountability of the state security forces who are responsible of attacking journalists and raiding media houses,” Hassan Osman, secretary general  of Federation of Somali Journalists (FESOJ) said.

In all the regions of Somalia including Somaliland journalists are not able to report freely due to fear of represisals and attacks from security forces as this has now become to the norm.

 Journalists are also targeted for revealing corruption cases.

Somalia iss till on top of countries where impunity of crimes against journalists is a problem.

"We demand respect for press freedom and rights of the journalists in Somalia,” adds Hassan Osman secretary general  of Federation of Somali Journalists (FESOJ).

FESOJ is currently training journalists on ethical reporting and freedom of expression as well as good governance, trade union rights with support from VIKES.

Source: FESOJ