Iraqi journalists dye in large numbers covering news for others
Iraq, Politics, 3/20/2007

Four years after American-led forces invaded Iraq, Iraqi journalists are being killed in unprecedented numbers.

According to a report released by the Brussels-based International News Safety Institute (INSI) Monday, 187 journalists and support staff have now died trying to report the bloodiest war for the news media in modern times.

A total of 157 were Iraqis. The death toll of journalists and other professionals in the news gathering team, such as translators, guides and drivers, has risen dramatically since the war began on 20 March 2003.

It mushroomed in 2006-7 -- and Iraqis increasingly have borne the brunt as it has become ever more difficult for foreign correspondents to travel independently outside their protected compounds.

Twenty-three journalists and other news media staff died in 2003, 42 in 2004, 36 in 2005, 70 in 2006 and 16 this year so far.

With foreigners largely confined to their bases, Iraqis have become the eyes and ears of the world on the biggest news story of the day.

"The bravery of the Iraqi journalists is astonishing," commented INSI Director Rodney Pinder. "They are not only being killed in horrifying numbers because of their dedication to their craft, but they are being beaten and exiled and their families threatened. Yet without them the rest of us would be blind."

In addition to the Iraqis, news men and women from 16 countries have died in Iraq. They came from Algeria, Australia, Argentine, France, Germany, Iran, Italy, Japan, Lebanon, Palestine, Poland, Spain, Ukraine, UK and the USA.

Unidentified gunmen and bombers have claimed 148 lives. US forces have been involved in 16 deaths.

Previous Stories:
  US soldiers carry out armed raid on Iraqi journalists' union   (2/21/2007)
  Iraqi media allowed to cover parliamentary sessions again   (12/16/2006)
  Blair on Iraq hot seat, seeks to stave off inquiry vote defeat   (10/31/2006)
  UK wanted to bomb al-Jazeera during Iraq war: daily   (10/12/2006)
  UK journalist said to be shot dead by US troops, inquest told   (10/6/2006)
  Global Day of Solidarity with Iraq Journalists tomorrow   (6/14/2006)
  US propaganda payment in Iraq endangers journalists   (5/24/2006)

Please add a link on your webiste pointing to ArabicNews.com and bookmark ArabicNews.com & subscribe to our daily email news bulletin.

Search