13 August 2026: The Somali Media Women Association (SOMWA) strongly condemns the assault and mistreatment of journalist Shukri Abdi, a reporter with Shabelle Radio and Television, who was physically assaulted by members of the Somali police in Mogadishu on the afternoon of.
The incident took place in the Abdicasiis district of Mogadishu, where police officers were dispersing protesters. According to Shukri, she and several other journalists were targeted by the officers while they were covering the incident.
Shukri told SOMWA that the officers initially seized her mobile phone before two members of the mobile police unit physically assaulted her.
“The officers took my phone first. Then two of the mobile police officers directly assaulted me and beat me severely. I sustained an injury to my hand, and I also suffered injuries to other parts of my body. I was later taken to the hospital, where I received medical treatment.”
SOMWA understands that Shukri sustained an injury to her hand as a result of the assault and was subsequently taken to the hospital for treatment.
The assault represents a serious violation of the rights of journalists to carry out their professional duties safely and without intimidation, harassment, or violence. Journalists covering public demonstrations and other events of public interest must be allowed to work freely and safely, and security forces have a responsibility to protect journalists rather than target them.
SOMWA is particularly concerned that the assault occurred while Shukri was carrying out her journalistic duties. The seizure of her phone and the subsequent physical assault raise serious concerns about the treatment of journalists by security personnel and the safety of media workers in Somalia.
SOMWA Calls for Accountability
SOMWA calls on the relevant Somali authorities to:
- Conduct a prompt, independent, and transparent investigation into the assault on journalist Shukri Abdi.
- Identify the police officers responsible and ensure that those found responsible are held accountable in accordance with the law.
- Ensure that journalists are not targeted, assaulted, threatened, or obstructed while carrying out their professional duties.
- Protect the right of journalists to report on demonstrations, public events, and matters of public interest without fear of violence or intimidation.
- Ensure that security forces receive and comply with clear instructions regarding the protection and treatment of journalists during public gatherings and protests.
SOMWA stands in solidarity with Shukri Abdi and all journalists who continue to carry out their professional responsibilities under difficult and dangerous circumstances.
The safety of journalists is essential to a free media and to the public’s right to access information. Violence against journalists must not be tolerated, and those responsible must be held accountable.
