"Tragedy Unlimited" Says IFJ as Killings of Journalists in 2007 Maintain Record Levels

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By Georgianne Nienaber (about the author) Page 2 of 2 page(s)

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Conflicts in Iraq, Pakistan and Somalia have proved the most dangerous for journalists in a year that has confirmed the high rates of killings in recent years and "tragedy unlimited" for thousands within the global media community.

Boumelha called for more action from the international community to counter impunity and to eliminate fear and danger from the profession of journalism. "Our colleagues have been targeted because of their work, or killed covering dangerous stories often in the rush to cover breaking news," he said.

In Africa violent attacks on journalists have continued and the brutal repression of free expression in Eritrea has led to two deaths there this year. There are reports from Africa that have not yet reached the desks of the IFJ because those who know what is happening in countries propped up by the United States cannot come forward.

"As usual those most at risk are media staff operating in their home country," said Boumelha. "Violence against media is particularly evident in countries where the political situation is unstable. It is no coincidence that countries like Somalia and Pakistan are two of the most dangerous this year."

In Iraq, which has been the deadliest country for journalists since the US invasion in 2003, at least 65 journalists and media staff have been killed this year. Of those killed, it is believed that all but one was an Iraqi national.

The IFJ's study makes it clear that local journalists are the most vulnerable to attack. In the vast majority of the cases this year, the media workers targeted were working for national or regional media and were killed in their own communities. It also highlights the problem of impunity that continues to plague the media sector. Many of this year's crimes are unsolved and will remain so.

IFJ General Secretary Aidan White, who this week joined a fresh appeal for action over impunity arising out of the United Nations Security Council resolution issued a year ago calling on all governments to confront the crisis of violence against media, said, "Many killers of journalists are just getting away with murder. Governments must take these issues seriously. Every case must be investigated. Those responsible must be punished."

The IFJ recorded the following information for deaths of media workers in 2007:

Murders and violent deaths 134
Deaths in accidents 37
The deadliest region was the Middle East with 68 killed
Deadliest Countries (for killings) were Iraq (65), Somalia (8) and Pakistan (7)
Other hotspots were Mexico (6), Sri Lanka (6) and Philippines (5)

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Georgianne Nienaber is an investigative environmental and political writer. She lives in rural northern Minnesota, New Orleans and South Florida. Her articles have appeared in The Society of Professional Journalists' Online (more...)

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