US welcomes decision of Somali court to overturn conviction of journalist

The United States welcomed on Wednesday Somalia's Supreme Court decision to overturn the conviction of a journalist who interviewed a woman who was allegedly raped by Somali security forces. "The United States welcomes the Somali Supreme Court's March 17 decision overturning the conviction of Somali journalist Abdiasis Abdinur Ibrahim for interviewing a woman who alleged rape by Somali security forces", said State Department spokesperson Victoria Nuland in a statement. "We are hopeful that this ruling, along with earlier statements of Somalia's President and Prime Minister expressing concern over the original verdict, will help strengthen protection of freedom of expression in Somalia, as guaranteed by the provisional federal constitution", she added. Nuland concluded by noting that the United States "continues to support the Government of Somalia as it develops and strengthens transparent and accountable institutions to protect human rights, including women's rights and freedom of expression, as part of its efforts to promote peace and democracy".