Body of slain Japanese journalist returns home

JournalismPakistan.com | Published 13 years ago

TOKYO: The body of Mika Yamamoto, the veteran Japanese journalist killed while covering the civil war in Syria, has returned to Japan from the Mideast.

Her coffin was unloaded from a Turkish Airlines aircraft Saturday as the pilot and crew saluted her, and airport officials observed a moment of silence.

Yamamoto's two sisters, as well as colleague Kazutaka Sato, were aboard the same flight from Istanbul.

Yamamoto and Sato, both with independent TV news provider The Japan Press, were traveling with the Free Syrian Army in the northwestern city of Aleppo on Monday when Yamamoto was fatally wounded in crossfire between rebels and government forces.

Sato said the 45-year-old's body will be handed over to Japanese police for an autopsy for further investigation, before a wake and a funeral are held. - AP

Explore Further

Russia labels Deutsche Welle undesirable in media crackdown

December 16, 2025: Russia has declared German broadcaster Deutsche Welle an undesirable organization, criminalizing cooperation and deepening restrictions on independent media in a widening press freedom crackdown.

Tunisia journalists' union flags widening repression of media

December 16, 2025: Tunisia journalists' union warns authorities are increasingly detaining and prosecuting reporters outside press law protections, signaling a broader crackdown on media freedom and dissent.

Bondi Beach attack exposes media failures and TV theatrics

December 16, 2025: The Bondi Beach attack highlights stark contrasts between responsible Australian journalism and sensational Indian TV coverage, raising urgent questions about ethics, accountability, and crisis reporting.

EESC urges stronger labor protections for journalists

December 16, 2025: The EESC calls for stronger labor rights, job security, and protections against digital threats for journalists, linking media sustainability with press freedom across Europe.

Trump sues BBC for $10 billion over edited January 6 speech

December 16, 2025: President Donald Trump filed a $10 billion defamation lawsuit against the BBC, alleging it deceptively edited his January 6 speech to imply he incited violence, filed in Miami federal court.

Board resignations hit Australia’s top journalism awards body

December 16, 2025: Governance tensions at Australia’s Walkley Foundation trigger board resignations, raising questions about oversight, sponsorship rules, and the future credibility of top journalism awards.

Hong Kong conviction of Jimmy Lai draws global criticism

December 15, 2025: Hong Kong’s conviction of Jimmy Lai under the national security law sparks global condemnation from governments and rights groups, intensifying debate over press freedom and judicial independence.

UNESCO report shows global decline in press freedom and safety

December 15, 2025: UNESCO report shows global press freedom and journalist safety declining as self-censorship rises and media economics falter, posing growing risks to independent journalism.

Newsroom

Pakistan to launch BEEP secure messaging app for officials

December 17, 2025 Pakistan plans to launch the BEEP secure messaging app for government officials by June 2026, modeled on WeChat, with end-to-end encryption and oversight by NITB.

GTV News confers vice president title on Gharidah Farooqi

December 17, 2025 GTV News announces the ceremonial appointment of senior anchor Gharidah Farooqi as Vice President, citing her professionalism, credibility, and contributions to Pakistani television journalism.

Court reserves decision on Matiullah Jan narcotics charges

December 17, 2025 Islamabad court reserves decision on journalist Matiullah Jan’s request to drop narcotics charges, with defense citing lack of evidence and prosecutors opposing the plea.

Arshad Sharif widow reports escalating harassment in Islamabad

December 17, 2025 Widow of slain journalist Arshad Sharif says harassment is escalating in Islamabad as she seeks justice, citing slow investigations and renewed safety concerns after court findings.

RSF condemns Lai verdict, cites Hong Kong press freedom slide

December 16, 2025 RSF condemns the Lai verdict as a sham trial and highlights Hong Kong’s fall to 140th in the 2025 World Press Freedom Index, warning of rising risks for journalists.