Associated Somali Journalists ASOJ accuses the Internal Securityof SomaliaMinister Abdikarim Hussein Guled of being directly behind theassassination of journalist Mohamed Mohamud “Timo Adde”, who died ofmultiple gun-shot injuries in Mogadishu on 26 October, 2013.
Shortly before his death, journalist Timo Adde told ASOJ that the
minister was annoyed by news pieces he aired on Universal TV, and
subsequently received threat from the minister, indicating that
necessary steps will be taken against him. Timo Adde’s concern was
not assassination, but rather incarceration.
Somali Government Intelligence officials in Wadajir and Dharkenley districts
told ASOJ that the assassins are known, and are part of the Somali
Government Forces. On Condition of anonymity, the officials said that
the assassins act under the direct orders of the Somali Internal Security
Minister.
One hour before the death of Timo Adde, HQs of Radio Shabelle and SKY
radio were raided by Special Forces under the command of the same
Minister. They detained journalists of both stations. Minister
Abdikarim whose anger against the stations is based on personal
discontent over reports they aired, has been struggling to shutdown
both stations and destroy their premises.
ASOJ condemns Internal Security Minister’s acts, and calls upon Somali
Government, Media Advocacy groups, Human Rights organizations and
international community, to conduct immediate investigation into the
murder of journalist Timo Adde, the raid in Shabelle & SKY FM
stations, and Minister Abdikarim’s involvement in the past targeted
killings against Somali Journalists, particularly during his tenure.
ASOJ sends its heartfelt condolence to the entire Somali media
fraternity and in particular the family of the deceased journalist.