On the 21st November , a 19 year old rape survivor and the journalist to whom she has spoken, have been arrested on the basis of fabricating false stories. The survivor has claimed that she was raped at gunpoint by two government affiliated journalists, working for Radio Mogadishu in August , however following failed attempts to address the issue with the station manager at Radio Mogadishu, she spoke with Radio Shabelle in a bid to create public pressure for justice.
The incident took place in August where the victim was held at gun point and repeatedly raped during the night by the two journalists. Abdimalik Yusuf has since been released on bail, however the victim and Hashi remain in custody.
While both victim and journalist sit in jail, the two perpetrators remain free with still no investigation taking place to address the case, and as yet, none forthcoming. This latest incident highlights the ongoing struggle and threats to the dignity and human rights that survivors of sexual violence face in obtaining justice for the crimes perpetrated against them.
Not only have they experienced the extreme brutality of sexual violence, but have been doubly victimized through the application of the law to discredit and delegitimize her. The use of the law provides a veneer of legitimacy for practices which are contradictory to any and all recognised guidance in how to deal with survivors of sexual violence.
The arrest of both victim and journalist is a crude attempt at silencing survivors who have the courage to challenge the impunity for perpetrators of sexual violence. Moreover, it attempts to place government institutions, such as Radio Mogadishu beyond criticism or accountability for sexual violence.
