JournalismPakistan.com | Published October 13, 2014
Join our WhatsApp channel
The International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) has reiterated its deep fear for the safety of journalists reporting in Syria and Iraq following the brutal murder of Iraqi journalist Raad al-Azzawi by the so called IS group.
The IFJ said in a media release that according to reports, IS terrorists publicly executed news cameraman al-Azzawi, along with his brother and two other civilians in the city of Samra, east of Tikrit, on Friday, 10 October. Azzawi, 37, worked for the local news channel Sama Salaheddin. Reports say he was executed because he refused to work for IS.
The Iraqi Journalists Syndicate (IJS) has joined the IFJ to condemn the murder and has called for action to find those responsible and bring them to justice.
“We send out deepest condolences to the family and colleagues of the journalist Sama Salaheddin who refused to let IS undermine his values and violate his profession,” said IFJ President Jim Boumelha.
“Local journalists in Iraq and Syria continue to bare the greatest burden of the IS war of terror, with many journalists living with intimidation, abuse and torture, while many others are imprisoned. International action must be taken to protect these local journalists who are risking their lives every day to ensure the truth is told.”
The IFJ has also joined international condemnation of the latest propaganda video issued by IS which again features British journalist John Cantlie delivering a script under duress while aware that his life is under threat.
“This latest video once again shows John Cantlie being forced to deliver a message to deliver IS propaganda knowing that his life is on the line. To use a journalist as political fodder is an abhorrent action and we join international condemnation of this act,” said Boumelha.
He added: “The latest IS actions are part of the continued to intimidate and strike fear into journalists covering the region and to prevent them from reporting the truth. International governments must stand up and protect journalists so they can continue to do their jobs.”
December 05, 2024: UNESCO and IRADA hosted a national consultation in Islamabad, calling for inclusive Internet governance reforms in Pakistan to protect digital rights, freedom of expression, and access to information through multi-stakeholder collaboration.
December 04, 2024: A viral video claiming journalist Matiullah Jan was expelled from PMA has been debunked by iVerify Pakistan. The video, edited with AI, originates from the drama serial Ehd-e-Wafa.
November 30, 2024: Journalist Matiullah Jan has been released from Adiala Jail after securing bail, ending fears of a potential transfer to Attock Jail. He expressed gratitude to supporters and shared light-hearted moments about his custody.
November 30, 2024: Daily Dawn condemns the arrest of journalist Matiullah Jan as a misuse of the law. The editorial highlights concerns over the state's weaponization of legal provisions against journalists, activists, and dissenters.
November 30, 2024: The Islamabad Anti-Terrorism Court has granted bail to journalist Matiullah Jan in a case involving drugs and terrorism charges. He was released on a surety bond of PKR 10,000 following the suspension of his physical remand by the Islamabad High Court.
November 29, 2024: The Lahore High Court has ordered the production of journalist Shakir Mahmood Awan’s alleged kidnapper by Monday while summoning IG Punjab and demanding CCTV footage from Safe City.
November 29, 2024: Suno TV faces criticism for targeting senior journalist Matiullah Jan with a smear campaign following his controversial abduction and arrest. This raises serious concerns about media ethics and press freedom in Pakistan.
November 29, 2024: WISPAP has requested the Ministry of Interior to extend the deadline for VPN registration in Pakistan, citing the need to ensure compliance amid increasing VPN usage after platform bans.
December 05, 2024 Over 50 journalists protested in Kuala Lumpur against proposed amendments to the Printing Presses and Publications Act, which threaten press freedom. IFJ and NUJM urge the government to withdraw the bill and engage in stakeholder consultation.
December 04, 2024 The ICC Champions Trophy 2025 faces uncertainty as Pakistan's hosting rights clash with India's refusal to participate. A political and financial standoff unfolds.
December 03, 2024 Submit your work for the Global Shining Light Award by February 28, 2025. Celebrate investigative journalism from the Global South at the Kuala Lumpur conference.
November 21, 2024 Investigative journalist Rana Ayyub received over 200 threats after her phone number was leaked on social media by a right-wing content creator. IFJ and IJU demand Maharashtra authorities take immediate action against those responsible for this targeted online harassment.
November 20, 2024 Reporters Without Borders (RSF) Germany is accepting applications for its 2025 Berlin Fellowship Program, offering journalists from crisis areas six months of digital security training, networking opportunities, and more.