Journalists protest colleague's killing

 JournalismPakistan.com |  Published: 13 February 2017

A large protest was held in Islamabad to condemn the killing of Taimoor Abbas, an assistant cameraman for Samaa TV. Journalists demanded equal compensation for their safety and justice.

Summary

ISLAMABAD – A unionist Monday called for matching compensation to journalists killed or injured as granted to security personnel.

Afzal Butt, President of Rawalpindi-Islamabad Union of Journalists (RIUJ), made the demand Monday during a protest to condemn Sunday’s attack on a Samaa TV van in Karachi.

Taimoor Abbas, an assistant cameraman was killed in the attack claimed by Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP).

Butt said media persons were being targeted by terrorists but when it came to providing justice and security, there were different sets of rules for journalists and security personnel. “It seems journalists’ blood is cheaper and has no value.”

He pointed out that 120 journalists had been killed but only two murderers were arrested which goes to show state institutions had failed badly.

A large number of journalists took part in the protest at the National Press Club. The protesters held placards and chanted slogans. They called for immediate arrest of perpetrators of Sunday’s attack.

Shakeel Anjum, President National Press Club said concrete steps to stamp out terrorism were not being taken. Targeting media persons has become a routine and this must stop.

KEY POINTS:

• Afzal Butt calls for equal compensation for journalists and security personnel.
• Protest held at the National Press Club after Taimoor Abbas's death.
• Attack claimed by Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP).
• Only two arrests made out of 120 murdered journalists.
• Protesters demand immediate action against the perpetrators.