A former journalist who joined the
Islamic extremist group al-Shabab was executed in Somalia’s capital for the
killings of five Somali journalists.
Hassan Hanafi Haji, who was
extradited from Kenya last year on the request of the Somali government, was
killed by firing squad at a police academy in Mogadishu on Monday. Firing squad
is the only execution method in Somalia.
In his role as a liaison officer with
al-Shabab, Haji was known to threaten journalists and radio stations for any
reporting not in favor of the Islamic extremist rebels, forcing many media
outlets to practice self-censorship for security reasons. Haji later led
al-Shabab’s media unit, inviting journalists to press conferences and giving
them tours of battlefields.
He often urged journalists to report
according to al-Shabab’s media rules, which included avoiding stories related
to the group’s military setbacks.
Haji was one of the few suspects
prosecuted by the Somali government following years of criticism by rights
groups who urged authorities to do more to establish the rule of law and end
the killings of journalists.
The killings of media workers often
happened in government-controlled areas that journalists generally consider
safe.
Somalia is one of the most dangerous
countries for media workers. At least 18 Somali journalists were killed last
year, according to the Committee to Protect Journalists.
It’s not entirely clear who has been
killing journalists. Al-Shabab rebels, warlords, criminals, and even government
agents all could have reasons to see journalists killed in Somalia.
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