Watchdogs condemn attack on Somali journalist

NAIROBI, Jan 12 (Reuters) - Press freedom groups on Saturday condemned the attempted murder of a radio journalist in northern Somalia's semi-autonomous region of Puntland.

Four unidentified gunmen shot Abdikheyr Mohammed Jama in the face as he left work at Radio Galkayo late on Thursday, critically wounding the presenter.

"We condemn this brutal attack which underscores the dangers faced by Somali journalists," Joel Simon of the New York-based Committee to Protect Journalists said in a statement.

The National Union of Somali Journalists said the motive behind the shooting was unclear, but that staff at the community radio station had been receiving anonymous death threats.

"We demand that Puntland authorities investigate and bring before justice the perpetrators," it said.

Paris-based Reporters Without Borders says Somalia is the second most dangerous place for journalists after Iraq.

At least eight reporters were killed in the Horn of Africa nation last year, it says, half of them assassinated by "hitmen". (Writing by Daniel Wallis; Editing by Charles Dick)