Tuesday October 17, 2023
Mogadishu (HOL) - The director of Somali Cable Television, Abdifatah Moalim Nur, known as Qeys, was laid to rest in Mogadishu on Tuesday morning.
The TV journalist was killed in a suicide explosion at Blue Sky restaurant near the presidential palace and National Museum on Monday night. In a statement, the police reported that four other people were injured when a suicide bomber detonated himself in front of the restaurant.
The Director of Universal TV East Africa, Abdullahi Hersi, paid tribute to Qeys, saying, "He was a calm person who cherished everyone and consistently prioritized common interests. He consistently rallied us to pursue the greater public good, fostering the growth of the media."
Abukar Sky, Director of Radio Shabelle, described the deceased journalist as a pivotal figure in the media industry, remarking, "He was exceptionally well-suited to lead the media landscape in our country, and his passing has profoundly affected us."
The Federation of Somali Journalists (FESOJ) conveys its heartfelt condolences to the family and colleagues of Qeys, a pioneering Somali journalist and a fervent advocate for press freedom. In a statement released, FESOJ Secretary-General Farah Omar Nor said, "We extend our condolences to his family and colleagues."
However, the killing of the TV journalist occurred just three days after a court in Mogadishu acquitted freelance journalist Mohamed Ibrahim BulBul of all charges. He had spent 56 days in prison before the Banadir Regional Court declared him free on Wednesday, finding him not guilty of the allegations against him.
The journalist was arrested on August 17 following an investigative report he wrote alleging corruption by Somali police in a training program funded by the European Union. Amnesty International said he was accused of "bringing the State into contempt" and for "circulating false and tendentious news."