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Alert

IFJ concerned by reports of deteriorating situation for journalists

(IFJ/IFEX) - The following is an IFJ media release:

IFJ concerned by reports of deteriorating situation for journalists in East Timor

The International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) has renewed its concerns for the East Timorese media after recent reports of journalists becoming internally displaced persons after their houses were burnt down during continued violence in the world's youngest nation.

Prompted by the recent violence in East Timor, IFJ affiliates in East Timor, the Sindicato dos Jornalistas de Timor Leste (SJTL) and the Timor Lorosa e Journalists' Association (AJTL), held a meeting on June 5 to discuss the frail media situation and journalists' response.

The groups called for emergency funds to restart publishing newspapers in East Timor, which had their publishing interrupted when the violence first broke out on May 22. They also called for security to be provided for press workers and media facilities and requested that people on both sides of the conflict respect a safe working environment for the media.

"The IFJ fully supports the East Timorese journalists and press freedom organisations in their demands for improvements in the safety situation, and stresses the importance of allowing journalists to report the news freely, especially in such tense times," Christopher Warren, president of the IFJ, the organisation representing more than 500,000 journalists in over 110 countries, said.

The IFJ reiterates its calls upon all parties to respect the basic rights and independence of journalists and the media, especially in times of conflict, so that journalists can safely perform their jobs in an efficient and effective manner.