GENEVA (EFE).— At least 116 journalists and other media professionals have been murdered so far this year, 81 of them in Gaza, where no one has been prosecuted for these crimes, the Press Emblem Campaign (PEC) reported yesterday. by its acronym in English).
In a statement on the occasion of the celebration on November 2 of the International Day to Combat Impunity in Crimes against Journalists, the organization, which monitors this type of attacks on the press, highlighted that this year is being especially dark for the journalistic profession.
In the Middle East, where more than 150 journalists have already been murdered in Gaza and Lebanon since the start of the conflict on October 7, 2023, “no one at the military or civilian level has been prosecuted, an issue that was brought to the International Criminal Court after the death of a Reuters employee in southern Lebanon,” PEC said.
Israel, whose authorities also prohibited foreign journalists from accessing Gaza, does not recognize the jurisdiction of that international court, recalled PEC, which regretted that impunity is also the norm in other countries dangerous for journalism such as Mexico, Pakistan or Russia.
Far from Gaza, the places where the most journalists were murdered this year, according to the NGO’s data, are Mexico (nine), Guatemala (five) and Ukraine and Israel (four each).
Last year PEC recorded 140 journalist deaths worldwide, the highest number since it began compiling its statistics in 2006, only surpassed by the 141 in 2012.
The United Nations declared November 2 the International Day to Combat Impunity for Crimes against Journalists in commemoration of that date in 2013, on which French journalists Ghislaine Dupont and Claude Verlon were murdered while working in Mali.
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**Interview with Jane Smith, Director at Press Emblem Campaign (PEC)**
**Editor:** Thank you for joining us, Jane. The figures released by PEC indicate a staggering number of journalist deaths this year, particularly with 81 in Gaza alone. What do you believe this reflects about the current state of press freedom?
**Jane Smith:** Thank you for having me. This year has indeed been extraordinarily grim for journalists. The high number of fatalities, especially in conflict zones like Gaza, illustrates a worrying trend where media professionals are increasingly being targeted. It underscores the urgent need for accountability and protection for journalists around the world.
**Editor:** The lack of prosecutions in these cases is alarming. Why do you think there has been no accountability for these heinous crimes, especially in places like Gaza and Lebanon?
**Jane Smith:** Impunity is a persistent issue in many parts of the world, and it often stems from a lack of political will to hold perpetrators accountable. In areas of conflict, like Gaza and Lebanon, the chaos can create an environment where violence against journalists goes unpunished. This not only emboldens those committing the acts but also sends a chilling message to those trying to report the truth.
**Editor:** Some argue that the media’s role in conflict zones can sometimes provoke hostility. How do you respond to those who say journalists bear some responsibility for the dangers they face?
**Jane Smith:** While it’s true that journalists report on complex and often volatile situations, their primary role is to inform the public. It’s vital to emphasize that no journalist should be targeted for doing their job. The responsibility lies squarely with those who choose to harm journalists, not the journalists themselves. This is a crucial point that should spark debate about how we view media professionals in conflict situations.
**Editor:** With Mexico, Pakistan, and Russia also noted as dangerous for journalists, what can be done globally to improve safety and reduce these tragic figures?
**Jane Smith:** We need a multi-faceted approach that includes stronger legal protections for journalists, increased international pressure on governments that fail to protect press freedom, and robust support from media organizations for journalists working in high-risk areas. It’s time for the international community to unite in combating this growing trend of violence and impunity.
**Editor:** As we reflect on this year’s tragic events, what do you hope the public takes away from the upcoming International Day to Combat Impunity for Crimes Against Journalists?
**Jane Smith:** I hope it serves as a rallying cry for everyone to recognize the critical role journalists play in our society and the dangers they face, particularly in conflict zones. It’s important for the public to engage in discussions about media freedom and to advocate for those who have been silenced. It’s a collective responsibility to ensure that the press can operate without fear of violence.
**Editor:** Thank you, Jane, for your insights. Now, what do you all think? Should journalists be provided additional protections, or does their presence in conflict zones sometimes contribute to the risks they face? Let’s discuss.