Somali journalists jailed for reporting about rape

This video says about itself:

Women imprisoned for being raped in Somalia – FOCUS – 06/06/2013

In Somalia, women who fled a famine two years ago are now falling prey to rape by militias and even government troops. These attacks are taking place in displaced [persons’] camps where they hoped to find refuge. An organisation is helping victims, offering counselling and legal support, but it’s uphill battle in a country where speaking out against rape is still widely considered taboo. In January this year, a woman was even sent to prison after complaining that she was violated by government soldiers.

In Afghanistan, the Pentagon and its NATO allies have installed a government wanting to bring back the death penalty by stoning.

In Somalia, the Pentagon and its NATO allies have installed a government using its police and jails to cover up rape scandals.

From Dalsan Radio (Mogadishu, Somalia):

Somalia: Shabelle Radio Director Arrested Over Rape Case

26 November 2013

Shabelle Radio dircetor arrested for allowing a reporter to use the station’s camera to record an interview with an alleged rape victim.

Somali government security forces have arrested the director of privately owned radio station Shabelle for allowing a reporter to use the station’s camera to record an interview with an alleged rape victim.

Abdimalik Yusuf Mohamud said he was arrested because a camera belonging to the station was used by Mohamed Bashir, a Shabelle reporter who interviewed the alleged victim.

“I’m in prison because Mohamed, who is also in prison with me, interviewed the woman that was allegedly raped using a camera belonging to the radio station,” he said.

Bashir was arrested five days ago when a video interview of the alleged victim surfaced online. The alleged victim and the reporter who interviewed her were arrested after the alleged attackers filed a defamation case against both of them. No date for hearing has been set.

Somalia‘s western backed government said it cannot do anything about the case, which is in the hands of the court.

… The Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) has called on the Somali government to release the journalists.

“We call upon authorities to release Mohamed Bashir and the victim of the alleged rape, and to ensure a transparent and efficient investigation into the allegations,” Tom Rhodes of the Committee to Protect Journalists.

“This is not the first time in Somalia that the victim of an alleged rape and a messenger are harassed or imprisoned for reporting such allegations.” Last month, Somali government security forces raided the Mogadishu-based Radio Shabelle, forcing the station to go off the air.

Somalia is considered on the most dangerous working environment for journalists. In 2012 alone more than 12 journalists were killed in Somalia – the second highest total in the world after Syria – with most of the killings occurring in the capital city Mogadishu.