Marshale had mocked terror groups

One of Somalia's top comedians has been shot dead in the capital, Mogadishu.

Abdi Malaq Jeylani better known as Marshale, was known for impersonating Islamist fighters in his TV shows, and had previously been threatened by militant group al-Shabab.

However no group has yet claimed responsibility for the attack.

Marshale was shot several times in the head and chest and hands by two men armed with pistols, who attacked outside his home.

Radio presenter Yusuf Keynan told the BBC: ‘This is a black day for the entire entertainment industry, he was a leader in Somalia comedy and everybody liked his performance.’

Marshale had previously reported receiving several threatening phone calls from al-Shabab ordering him to abandon the media.

And Omar Faruk Osman, secretary-general of the National Union of Somalia Journalists, said: ‘We condemn the brutal and sickening murder... We believe that this is part of the deadly campaign against the basic human right of freedom of expression.

‘Marshaale, a satirist, was killed for exercising his freedom to speak his mind, which includes the freedom to use humour.’

The 43-year-old is survived by two wives and six children.

Published: 1 Aug 2012