Canada Strongly Condemns Killing of Journalists in Somalia

News Release

August 13, 2007
No. 110
The Honourable Peter MacKay, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Minister of the Atlantic
Canada Opportunities Agency, today issued the following statement on the death of a
Canadian journalist in Somalia:
“Canada strongly condemns the killing of Somali-Canadian journalist Ali Iman
Sharmarke, co-founder of Somali media outlet HornAfrik Media, and his colleague
Mahad Ahmed Elmi. We wish to take this opportunity to express our deepest
condolences to the families of Mr. Sharmarke and Mr. Elmi and pay tribute to their
pioneering work.
“This attack is a stark reminder of the difficult environment faced by Somali journalists,
who have been subject to attacks and harassment. The past weekend’s events bring to
six the number of journalists killed in Somalia this year.
“Canada is a strong proponent of the right to freedom of expression around the world,
including a free media. It is the right that gives voice to all other freedoms. Canada
calls on Somalia’s Transitional Federal Government to hold the perpetrators of these
killings to account, and to protect journalists and other media professionals who are
exercising their profession.
“Canada is deeply concerned about the insecurity and dire humanitarian situation in
Somalia. We strongly urge all parties to reject violence, resolve their differences
through dialogue and work toward reconciliation. Canada looks forward to the outcome
of the National Reconciliation Congress.”
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For further information, media representatives may contact:
Foreign Affairs Media Relations Office
Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada
613-995-1874
http://www.international.gc.ca

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Canada Strongly Condemns Killing of Journalists in Somalia

News Release

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