World Editors Forum’s president wants end to crime against journalists

Bjerager said, “It is important for an industry usually averse to introspection to acknowledge the deaths of journalists who have died in pursuit of the news that feeds our work. Recent atrocities have catapulted the deaths of two American journalists in particular onto front pages worldwide, yet the murders of James Foley and Steven Sotloff […]

Bjerager said, “It is important for an industry usually averse to introspection to acknowledge the deaths of journalists who have died in pursuit of the news that feeds our work. Recent atrocities have catapulted the deaths of two American journalists in particular onto front pages worldwide, yet the murders of James Foley and Steven Sotloff – however horrendous – remain just two of 40 deaths so far this year”.
Bjerager, in an open letter, observed there has never been a more dangerous time for journalists as they are being killed and imprisoned worldwide in record numbers. “They face daily threats, attacks and intimidation from private individuals, non-state actors, and government officials who seek to silence them. Crucially, the overwhelming majority of these crimes are committed with impunity – those responsible for 9 out of 10 journalist murders go unpunished,” he said.
He posited that the perpetrators of the killings were spurred by a climate of impunity and powerful criminal elements persist in their attempts to silence the press. “While journalists continue to be targeted, the governments and institutions supposed to protect them continue to fail. An insidious culture has set in that has turned journalism in many parts of the world into a deadly profession,” he stated.
The WEF president added that nowhere more than in Iraq is this reality so pressing. “Since 2003, 100 journalist murders have been committed with total impunity, making the country – according to research by the Committee to Protect Journalists – the world’s worst offender. Coupled with neighbouring Syria where over 60 media employees have lost their lives since the beginning of the current conflict.