Police force from the Transitional Federal Government of Somalia have tortured and robbed one of the Shabeelle Media Network reporters. Abdirazzaq was at that time on his way from duty.

Some government troops at Bakaara intersection stopped Abdirazzaq Warsame, while on his way from duty confiscated his cell phone and some money in his pocket.

"It was at 4.20 p.m. local time, I wanted to go to my home, when I was passing at the Bakaara junction, I saw some of the TNG troops on my way to home waylaying old women, they ordered me to put up my hands and put down all what I have, I told them that I'm a journalist from Shabeelle Radio, they immediately told me that I was the most wanted man, they beat me badly with their gun butts, I begged them to spare for my life, then they took my mobile phone and some money" said Warsame in agony.

Somali journalists are increasingly becoming intentional targets in recent months.

Shabeelle radio contacted the spokesman of the government police force Abdiwahid Muhammad Husayn and asked what facts he has about this incident, Mr Abdiwahid expressed his sorrow over what happened to Abdirazzaq and said they will soon bring the wrongdoers to justice. [Passage omitted]

Source: Radio Shabeelle, Mogadishu in English 0000 gmt 6 Sep 07

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