International Day to End Impunity for Crimes against Journalists

 JournalismPakistan.com |  Published: 2 November 2021

The International Day to End Impunity for Crimes against Journalists is marked on November 2 to raise awareness and seek justice for media victims. Reports indicate significant numbers of journalist deaths and convictions under laws like PECA in Pakistan.

Summary

ISLAMABAD—International Day to End Impunity for Crimes against Journalists is being observed worldwide, including Pakistan, on November 2, to raise awareness and formulate ways to stop crimes against journalists and media persons.

The 2021 International Day to End Impunity for Crimes against Journalists highlights the instrumental role of prosecutorial services in investigating and prosecuting killings and threats of violence against journalists.

According to a UNESCO report, at least 62 journalists lost lives just for doing their jobs in 2020 alone. Between 2006 and 2020, over 1,200 media professionals were killed the same way. In nine out of ten cases, the killers go unpunished.

In a report launched in connection with this day, the Freedom Network said that around two dozen Pakistani journalists were charged in the last two years, and most of them were prosecuted under the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA).

The Freedom Network 2021 Impunity Report also highlights various insights into the key challenges faced by journalists and information practitioners in Pakistan charged under PECA, the arbitrary exercise of power by the authorities and the response of the justice system.

This year, the International Day to End Impunity for Crimes against Journalists highlights the critical role of prosecutorial services in bringing killers to justice and prosecuting threats of violence.