International Freedom of Expression Exchange: The global network for free expression
12 February 2008
NINETY-FIVE MEDIA PROFESSIONALS KILLED IN 2007, SAYS WAN
Ninety-five journalists and media workers were killed worldwide in 2007 because of their work, says a new report by the World Association of Newspapers (WAN). Iraq and other conflict zones account for more than two-thirds of the deaths, says WAN.
Last year, 44 journalists and other media workers were killed in Iraq. Somalia was the second deadliest place for journalists, with eight killed, followed by Sri Lanka (6) and Pakistan (5).
The 2007 death toll, released after investigation into all potential media murders, is the second highest since WAN began tracking annual deaths in 1998. It compares with 110 killed in 2006, 58 killed in 2005, 72 killed in 2004, and 53 killed in 2003.
WAN's figures include all media workers killed in the line of duty or targeted because of their work. It also includes cases where the motive for the killings is unclear or where investigations have not been completed.
Several IFEX members track the number of journalists killed each year. The numbers vary based on differing criteria. For a summary of their findings, see: http://www.ifex.org/en/content/view/full/89444/
WAN's full list can be found at: http://www.wan-press.org/rubrique.php3?id_rubrique=873
(12 February 2008)
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