71 Journalists Killed in 2013
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Jumat, 19 Oktober 2018 21:30 WIB
TEMPO.CO, Paris - This year, the world still has a bad record on the fate of journalists in carrying out their profession. According to Reporters Without Borders (RSF), in a report released on December 18, 2013, the number of journalists killed in the line of duty this year is still considered high, namely 71. Statistically, however, it is lower than its previous year, 88.
The Paris-based organisation, which monitors the safety of journalists across the world, recorded another unpleasant development—an increase in the number of kidnappings. This year, 87 journalists were held hostage, a 129-percent increase compared to last year’s 38.
The majority of kidnappings took place in the Middle East and North Africa (71 journalists), followed by Sub-Saharan Africa (11). The highest number of kidnapping cases this year was recorded in Syria and Libya, with a total of 49 journalists.
Thirty-nine percent of journalists were killed in areas of conflict, such as Syria, Somalia, Mali, India, Pakistan and Russia. Consequently, the RSF ranks Syria, Somalia and Pakistan among the five most dangerous countries for journalists.
RSF Secretary General, Christophe Deloire, expressed his concerns and emphasized the need to enforce strict laws on perpetrators. “Impunity eradication has to become a priority to the international society,” he said at a press conference, Wednesday, December 18, 2013.
RSF | ABDUL MANAN