A journalist from the Somali private radio station, Radio Shabelle has been seriously wounded after being attacked by unidentified gunmen late on Sunday evening.
Mohamed Mohamud Turyare was attacked as he left a mosque following evening prayers, making him the fifth journalist from Radio Shabelle to be attacked this year.
He was rushed to hospital after the incident and underwent surgery, a colleague said.
"They shot him several times after his evening prayers...at least four bullets hit him in the abdomen and chest," Mohamed Ali, a relative of the victim said.
"We don't know why they have targeted him...he is a journalist and did not harm anybody,” he added.
Doha Centre for Media Freedom spoke to a source in Somalia who confirmed that Turyare is recovering in hospital following surgery and that his condition has improved.
Culture of impunity
DCMF has consistently urged the government in Somalia to take steps to eradicate the culture of impunity which continues to place journalists there in danger.
The country has become the most deadly nation for African journalists, as members of the media are consistently targeted by members of the Al Shabaab militia who face no consequences for the violence.
So far this year, 15 journalists have been killed, making it the deadliest year ever for Somali journalists.
Source: DCMF, AFP
