Somali comedian who mocked Islamists is shot dead

A comedian, Abdi Jeylani Marshale, is said to have been shot in the chest and the head as he was leaving a radio station located in Mogadishu.

Marshale was one of the most popular comedians in Somalia and he was known for mocking Islamist militants. Marshale was shot dead on Tuesday, after he left the radio station, where he worked as a performer as well as a drama producer, according to Guardian. According to the BBC, witnesses say that the comedian was shot at least several times in the head and chest by two men armed with pistols. As of now it is not clear who was behind Marshale's killing but al-Shabab, a militant group, did allegedly threaten him. According to UPI, after Marshale was shot he was taken to Madine hospital. Shortly after arriving doctors pronounced him dead. According to the Express Tribune, the comedian was also known for participating in programs that are designed to prevent young people in Somalia from joining insurgents. Marshale's funeral was held on Wednesday, and many Somalis turned up for it.