Press Campaign Demands End To ‘Bloodbath Against Journalists’

The number of journalists killed in the course of their work since January has increased compared to the same period last year. So far 53 reporters have been killed this year, while 45 were killed in the period January to June 2008.

The Press Emblem Campaign (PEC) Secretary General Blaise Lempen said in a press release sent from Geneva the numbers reflect the humanitarian crises caused by conflicts in Gaza, Somalia, Pakistan and Sri Lanka. Lempen, writing from Geneva, added that certain countries where there is no war or violent conflict, have nevertheless experienced ongoing violence against journalists. These were: Mexico, the Philippines and Russia, were he said this had become “endemic.” PEC President Hedayat Abdel Nabi warned that this trend kills the chances of unveiling the truth to the world. He added that while there was a body in place to look into such violations, the U.N. Human Rights Council, it was impotent when it came to protecting journalists. The PEC said Pakistan was the most dangerous country for media work this year, with six journalists killed, followed by five in Iraq. However, Mexico, Philippines, and Somalia all had five journalists killed while reporting the news, while Gaza and Russia shared sixth place with four each. Three journalists were killed in Colombia, two in Afghanistan, Guatemala, Honduras, Nepal Sri Lanka and Venezuela, while one was killed in India, Indonesia, Kenya and Madagascar in the six-month period. The PEC added targeted killings of journalists continued, as in that of human rights defender Natalya Estemirova on July 15. Additionally, Iran and the Palestinian Authority had expelled journalists, although the P.A. had only done so for a few days. In Iran, no less than 40 journalists were arrested. The network most affected was Al Jazeera Television, which was banned from the Palestinian territories The PEC called on all UN member countries to stop what it called “this bloodbath against journalists” with appropriate protective measures.