The National Union of Somali Journalists (NUSOJ) is deeply shocked by the barbarous killing of journalist Mahad Ahmed Elmi, Director of Radio Capital Voice in Mogadishu, while journalist Abdihakin Omar Jimale of Radio Mogadishu was wounded Friday night in Yaqshid district of the capital.

Mahad Ahmed was killed by unknown men with pistols around 7:20am today (11 August) while walking on Ifka Halan Road in Gubta Village on his way to the Radio station. Capital voice is owned by HornAfrik Media Incorporation. The assailants shot Mahad several times at the head. He was rushed to Madina hospital where he died. Both Capital Voice and HornAfrik Radios were shutdown for the burial.

As well, unknown assailants opened fire to Abdihakin and the bullet hit at the shoulder. He was admitted to Keysaney hospital where he is being treated.

"We strongly condemn this cruel killing of Mahad Ahmed Elmi and the wounding of Abdihakin" said Omar Faruk Osman, Secretary General, National Union of Somali Journalists (NUSOJ). "Mahad was a professional journalist, and we certainly believe that he was killed intentionally and with premeditation that relates with his journalistic profession". "We demand prompt investigations from law enforcement bodies and the leadership of the transitional government and to bring before justice perpetrators of these two heartless acts," Omar Faruk added.

"On behalf of NUSOJ, we send our heartfelt condolences to the family, friends and co-workers of Mahad Ahmed Elmi," Omar said. "We ask international press freedom advocacy community and the broader international community to condemn and support Somali journalists' appeal in search of justice". "We hope Abdihakin will recover soon and NUSOJ is ready to provide every support for his recovery".

Mahad Ahmed Elmi is the fifth journalist so far killed this year in Somalia. On 15 May, Abshir Ali Gabra and Ahmed Hassan were killed in Middle Shabelle region. On 5 May, Mohammed Abdullahi Khalif was killed in Galkayo of Puntland. On 16 February, Ali Mohammed Omar was killed Baidoa.

In Friday morning, Radio Shabelle was briefly closed and its employees were interrogated for a report on a fighting in Mogadishu.

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