CEPO Executive Director Edmund Yakani. (Photo: Awan Moses/Eye Radio).

The Executive Director of Community Empowerment for Progress Organization (CEPO), Edmund Yakani, has called for action against individuals abusing the legal mandate of security institutions, after an Eye Radio journalist received threats through anonymous calls.

Broadcast journalist Alhadi Hawari had received multiple threatening phone calls and WhatsApp messages from unknown individuals claiming to be members of the National Security Service.

In statement, CEPO director Yakani described the threats as unacceptable and called for legal action against those responsible.

“I would like to take this opportunity with due respect and honor to appeal to the leadership of the security institution that they need to take strong steps and measures against individuals that are abusing the mandate and the status of our national security institution,” Yakani said.

“If Alhadi Hawari is in conflict with the law or any individual, it is better to take legal procedures through competent legal processes,” he added.

The activist further urged the leadership of security institutions to hold accountable those abusing their positions to blackmail citizens, stressing that such threats have also been experienced by other journalists and activists in the country.

Yakani advised Hawari to report the case to the police, expressing hope that authorities would take serious measures to ensure journalists can work without fear or intimidation.