ICPJ condemns strongly the killing of a Japanese journalist in Burma, Says arguments against a specialized international convention to protect journalists in conflict zones and civil unrest are wrong, null and void
GENEVA, September 28 (ICPJ) – The International Covenant for the Protection of Journalists (ICPJ) said that daily casualties among journalists including that of today when a Japanese cameraman was killed while covering civil unrest proves that arguments against an International Convention to protect journalists in conflict zones and civil unrest are wrong, null and void.
The ICPJ condemns in the strongest possible manner the ongoing killings of journalists the latest today in Burma.
ICPJ Vice President for Asia Moaid ALLamy noted that two days ago a historic turn took place in the United Arab Emirates when its deputy ruler and ruler of Dubai Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid al-Maktoum abolished the prison penalty against journalists.
After rejoicing for only 48 hours, ALLamy added the media community is saddened again with another fallen colleague, this time not in a war zone but while covering a situation of civil unrest in Burma.
Being victimized by the Iraq conflict, ALLamy stood against all arguments that deny journalists a specialized convention.
He added that the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) employees international or national are also civilians, however, they bear a protective emblem because their profession calls for such added protection.
The journalists, he added, are like the ICRC employees who need special protection in the form of a specialized convention.
Journalists are like physicians, a profession that needs protection to come to the rescue of victims.
If a journalist falls, life has been violated, and forever the journalist would be disabled.
Journalists are therefore crippled and violated, but the struggle will continue to allow them to work freely and in dignity while doing the utmost to protect life.
The ICPJ, he added, presents its condolences to the Japanese media outlet which lost its cameraman and to his family.
