The Somali Women Journalists Rights Organization (SOWJRA), which advocates for the rights of Somali women journalists, has condemned the incident in which Shukri Aabbi Abdi was injured on December 17, 2024, while she was engaged in her journalistic activities, reporting on a peaceful protest by citizens. Shukri is a journalist with Risaala TV, and the act was committed by a unit of NISA (National Intelligence and Security Agency).
Shukri stated: “I was covering news related to the protest when security forces from NISA approached me. They started beating me with a stick, throwing me to the ground, and causing me immense pain. After I attempted to get up, they threw me down again and struck me with a stick and a baton a second time until I lost consciousness due to the pain. They also threatened me. Bystanders tried to help me, but as the noise increased, they took away my equipment and ripped my clothes, destroying all the footage I had recorded. I did not receive any justice; I need justice as I have been brutally attacked, and they used their power against me.”
“I am suffering from severe head trauma, and I have deep wounds on my body. There is also no place where I can report the news regarding the public grievances and protests.” She added
SOWJRA stands against any act that undermines female journalists and opposes violations against press freedom and freedom of speech. Female journalists face numerous challenges and difficulties arising from various directions in Somalia.
