Mogadishu, 2 June: Health situation of Shabeelle Radio female journalist in Baidoa is critical after been tortured by militiamen loyal to Somalia transitional federal government.

Maryan Muhammad, Shabelle correspondent in Baydhabo [alternative spelling Baidoa], has been beaten and drugged on the ground before she was snatched and thrown into jail by armed militiamen leaving her severe injuries yesterday.

Shabelle chairman Abdulmalik Yusuf said this morning he reached Maryan on the phone in a bid to take her to Mogadishu for treatment but could not be possible. "She was on bed this morning and could not wake up for the injuries, so that we have decided to look for other options to bring her to Mogadishu where she can get special treatment," Abdulmalik said.

"Ordinary civilian buses could not be used to take her according to injuries part of her chest, Ambulance might be better like this time but unfortunately we couldn't reach ambulances in Baidoa" he added.

Meanwhile, local radio stations authorities have condemned the inhumane action against Maryan Mohamoud by some security men of Somalia Speaker.

"This incident is clear violation against freedom of expression, how could they dare tortured and imposed job restriction on her," director of Banadir Radio Ahmed Nur said.

Parliamentarians have also criticized the act saying humiliations against journalist will be discussed in front of the sessions.

Source: Shabeelle Media Network website, Mogadishu, in English 2 Jun 06

BBC Mon Alert AF1 AFEau MD1 Media 020606/jcm

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