He said “this shocking murder tragically underlines the ongoing struggle throughout the world for press freedom” and offered his condolences to Farhan James Abdulle’s family and friends.

Bellingham said it was particularly distressing to see further violence against journalists in Somalia.

He said Abdulle is the fifth journalist to be murdered in 2012 in Somalia, which is rated to be me most dangerous places in the world for journalists to work.

Bellingham paid tribute to journalists in the chaotic Horn of African Country who he said were tirelessly campaigning for free speech.

“I echo the statement issued by the Foreign Secretary to mark World Press Freedom Day that we condemn all violence and intimidation against journalists throughout the world,” he said.