National Union of Somali Journalists (NUSOJ) today condemned Puntland Ministry's attack on journalist Abdihakim Yusuf Moalim of Somali Broadcasting Corporation (SBC), aprivately owned Radio Station in Bossaso town of Bari Region.

Security guard of Deputy Minister of Security of Puntland Ibrahim Artan (Haji Bakin) had violently beaten Mr. Abdihakim Yusuf Moalim after Haji Bakin slapped the journalist on Saturday morning January 26, 2008.

Abdihakim Yusuf and a cameraman went to cover a meeting between Puntland officials and local communities in Bossasso at the regional headquarters in Bossasso. The journalist was detained about one hour.

The Deputy Minister had also attacked SBC as biased and provocative media, and refused to regard SBC as a professional media House while calling its journalists as bogus and liars. However, the Puntland Minister of Information apologised the act.

"We condemn this sadistic attack on the journalist as an oppressive and grave act against the right and the freedom of a journalist who was carrying out his journalistic duties," said Omar Faruk Osman.

"We also call on the authorities to ensure the safety of journalists and respect the freedom of press." Omar said. The Journalist Abdihakim has several wounds on his face.

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