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Steps to end impunity for crimes against journalists
JOURNALISTS heard stunning details of how crimes against journalists can be committed with impunity - and of the long road to - at a London Freelance Branch event on 2 November to mark the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) declares International Day to End Impunity for Crimes against Journalists.
Gazan reporter Yousef Hammash, who works for ITN and the BBC among others, described the horror of losing so many colleagues - and how the use of “artificial intelligence” in targeting serves to remove human responsibility.
Niall Murphy (left) with Pennie Quinton in the chair, Yousef Hammash and Tim Dawson
Lawyer Niall Murphy has advocated for the family of Martin O’Hagan, the journalist and secretary of Belfast and District branch who was shot dead by the Loyalist Volunteer Force on 28 September 2001 near his home in Lurgan. He, alongside Martin’s brother Fintan O’Hagan,hgave an impressively detailed account of their 25-year fight for justice.
NUJ organiser Tim Dawson, who was previously Deputy General Secretary of the International Federation of Journalists, described the work of the IFJ toward legal measures against impunity.
On the same day NUJ General Secretary Laura Davison issued a statement:
“As we highlight the horrific realities facing journalists in many parts of the world today, we condemn the targeted campaigns by governments, powerful individuals and criminals stifling journalism to undermine democracy.
“We will always campaign tirelessly against threats and violence against journalists and their families, calling for greater vocal condemnation and action to improve their safety. Our work with the International Federation of Journalists continues to demonstrate our unwavering solidarity with journalists worldwide.”
The statement also remembered NUJ members Dom Phillips, who was killed in 2022 whilst undertaking research in the Amazon, and Lyra McKee,who was killed in 2019 during riots in Derry.
We plan a detailed report as soon as we can.
End impunity for crimes against journalists worldwide