Journalism Pakistan
Pakistan: DigiMAP condemns crackdown on journalists, calls for press freedomAsia: Kashmiri journalist Sajad Gul released on bail after two yearsOpportunities: Knight-Wallace Journalism Fellowship open for Mid-career journalistsPakistan: Mr. PM, why tweet on a banned platform? Geo News presenters askPakistan: PFUJ condemns violence against journalists, demands release of detained reporterOpportunities: Spotlight on migrant workers: Join the ILO's Global Media CompetitionAsia: The power of reporting: Thai media tackles climate change and pollutionSports: The art of the sports interview: Techniques and tipsDigital Connections: Boost your business with these proven social media engagement tipsWorld: How global crises are covered by different media outletsPakistan: Journalists demand action against TLP over threats to Azaz SyedPakistan: PFUJ condemns attack on journalists in Karachi, demands FIR and arrests

IFJ mourns killing of US photographer

 JournalismPakistan.com |  Published December 09, 2014

Join our WhatsApp channel

IFJ mourns killing of US photographer

The International Federation of Journalists joins its member unions in the USA, the Newspaper Guild (TNG), the National Writers' Unions (NWU) and the American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (AFTRA), in mourning the death of photographer Luke Somers (pictured) after he was shot dead by his kidnappers during a failed attempt by US special forces to release him.


An IFJ Press Release said: “The IFJ and its affiliates worldwide condemn this latest barbaric outrage and send their condolances to Luke’s family. Like many other photojournalists, he decided to live amongst the men and women whose lives and suffering he wanted to portray. Luke was fully engaged in his journalist’s duty to tell people’s tragedies and throw light on their day-to-day lives. Sadly, he paid with his life his attachment to Yemen and its people” said IFJ President Jim Boumelha.


Luke was snatched over a year ago outside a supermarket in the capital Sanaa by a group identified as the al-Qaeda branch in Yemen. He was reportedly moved from village to village, but recently appeared in a video released by his captors pleading for help.


According to news reports, a US special unit landed in the location in southern Shabwa where he was held to attempt to release him. He was shot by his captors during the operation which came after a long media blackout of the details about his captivity.


The killing of Luke Somers follows the execution of two other journalists in Syria, James Foley and Steven Sotloff who were all killed by the Isis group last August and September respectively. An attempt to rescue Foley also failed.


“As with Foley and Sotloff, Luke Somers' life and death underscore the growing role of freelancers in covering a war, which tragically appears to be growing, with no end in sight, and has already claimed millions of victims and cost trillions of dollars." said Larry Goldbetter, president of the National Writers’ Union.


The IFJ and its affiliates in the USA expressed concern about the tactics of the US government in dealing with such kidnappings and called for the review announced by president Obama following the failure of the latest operation to learn the lessons from what had happened and re-evaluate every aspect of the government’s approach to free hostages in similar situations.


“These latest killings have set a new challenge for us in that journalists have now become pawns in wider geopolitical fights.” added Boumelha. - IFJ

DigiMAP condemns crackdown on journalists, calls for press freedom

DigiMAP condemns crackdown on journalists, calls for press freedom

 October 10, 2024:  The Digital Media Alliance of Pakistan (DigiMAP) strongly condemns the inclusion of senior journalists on NACTA's Schedule IV list and calls for the immediate release of Ehsan Naseem, arrested after interviewing Manzoor Pashteen. DigiMAP demands respect for press freedom and journalist rights.

PFUJ challenges PEMRA's notices on terror attack reporting

PFUJ challenges PEMRA's notices on terror attack reporting

 October 09, 2024:  Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists slams PEMRA for issuing notices to TV channels over Karachi attack coverage, calling it pressure tactics and demanding immediate withdrawal.

PFUJ criticizes shutdown of Daily 92 Islamabad office amid job losses

PFUJ criticizes shutdown of Daily 92 Islamabad office amid job losses

 October 08, 2024:  The Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists (PFUJ) condemns the closure of Daily 92's Islamabad office, which has caused widespread unemployment among journalists and media workers. PFUJ calls for the immediate reversal of the decision, criticizing management for irresponsible actions during economic hardship.

Mr. PM, why tweet on a banned platform? Geo News presenters ask

Mr. PM, why tweet on a banned platform? Geo News presenters ask

 October 07, 2024:  Geo News anchors criticize Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif for using the banned platform X to address the Karachi attack. Their remarks spark debate over the government’s selective use of banned social media. Read more about the ongoing legal case challenging the X ban.

PFUJ condemns violence against journalists, demands release of detained reporter

PFUJ condemns violence against journalists, demands release of detained reporter

 October 06, 2024:  The Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists (PFUJ) condemns violence against journalists during a PTI protest and demands the immediate release of Faizan Hussain, a senior journalist detained by the government.

Journalists demand action against TLP over threats to Azaz Syed

Journalists demand action against TLP over threats to Azaz Syed

 October 03, 2024:  Veteran journalists condemn threats made by TLP leader Anas Rizvi against senior journalist Azaz Syed, urging the government to take immediate action to ensure his safety and protect press freedom.

PFUJ condemns attack on journalists in Karachi, demands FIR and arrests

PFUJ condemns attack on journalists in Karachi, demands FIR and arrests

 September 30, 2024:  The Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists (PFUJ) has condemned an attack on journalists in Karachi by religious party workers, calling for an FIR and immediate arrests of the perpetrators.

Dr. Sadia Kamal elected President of PFUJ-Workers: A historic milestone for Pakistani journalism

Dr. Sadia Kamal elected President of PFUJ-Workers: A historic milestone for Pakistani journalism

 September 30, 2024:  Dr. Sadia Kamal has made history by becoming the first female president of the Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists (PFUJ-Workers), a significant milestone for her career and Pakistani journalism. Learn about her exceptional journey, years of service, leadership in various media roles, and dedication to ethical journalism.

Newsroom
Kashmiri journalist Sajad Gul released on bail after two years

Kashmiri journalist Sajad Gul released on bail after two years

 October 09, 2024 The Committee to Protect Journalists welcomes the release of Kashmiri journalist Sajad Gul on bail after over two years of arbitrary detention. CPJ urges Jammu and Kashmir authorities to end the prosecution of Gul and allow media freedom in the region.

Knight-Wallace Journalism Fellowship open for mid-career journalists

Knight-Wallace Journalism Fellowship open for mid-career journalists

 October 08, 2024 Mid-career journalists from the U.S. and abroad can apply for the Knight-Wallace Journalism Fellowship at the University of Michigan. This prestigious fellowship offers a year of academic study with a stipend of US$85,000.

Spotlight on migrant workers: Join the ILO's Global Media Competition

Spotlight on migrant workers: Join the ILO's Global Media Competition

 October 06, 2024 The International Labour Organization (ILO) invites journalists to participate in its 10th Global Media Competition, aiming to promote fair and balanced reporting on labor migration. Join the initiative to highlight the positive contributions of migrant workers and combat discrimination.

The power of reporting: Thai media tackles climate change and pollution

The power of reporting: Thai media tackles climate change and pollution

 October 06, 2024 Explore how Thailand's media covers pressing environmental challenges, including climate change, pollution, and conservation efforts. This article examines the role of journalism in raising awareness and fostering public engagement on critical environmental issues.

The art of the sports interview: Techniques and tips

The art of the sports interview: Techniques and tips

 October 06, 2024 Discover the essential techniques and tips for conducting successful sports interviews. This article explores how to engage athletes and ask the right questions to deliver compelling stories.