It’s no secret that journalism can oftentimes be a dangerous career. But in some places, the danger is much more prominent than in others. For example, Iraq has recently become the second most dangerous place for journalists in the past year. Other countries in the top six include Iran, Afghanistan, India and Pakistan, and Mexico with it being at the top of the list. What is interesting and disturbing about the recent murders of journalists in Iraq is that the majority fo them were covering anti-government protests when they were killed. Some of these journalists were murdered outside of their homes, and some die in prisons and because of falling ill due to deplorable conditions in the prisons and then die later after being released. The situation is both disheartening and terrifying when you realize the connection between these murders where innocent people are losing their lives and freedom of speech which as it seems is being muted. According to RSF secretary-general, Christophe Deloire, “Some may think that journalists are just the victims of the risks of their profession, but journalists are increasingly targeted when they investigate or cover sensitive subjects. What is being attacked is the right to be informed, which is everyone’s right.”(Uddin,2020)
The writer describes in detail the dangers that journalists face in these specific countries, and the murders. There are some pictures of 2 high-profile journalists that were murdered and also one of a protest to bring awareness of the violence against journalists and the infringement of free speech.
(1 image, 1 link, 1 quotation, 255 words)
Uddin, Rayhan. “ Iraq world’s second-deadliest country for journalists in 2020, report finds.” The Middle East Eye . December 29, 2020. Iraq world’s second-deadliest country for journalists in 2020, report finds | Middle East Eye
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