A group of editors, journalists and writers from South Asia, the UK and Australia has urged all governments and segment of society to respect professional media, uphold the law, and resist the intimidation and censoring of journalists. “They must ensure accountability through the conduct of impartial, speedy and effective investigations into cases of violence against journalists and media workers falling within their jurisdiction, to bring the perpetrators of such crimes to justice, and assure victims access to appropriate remedies,” said the South Asia Media Defenders Network (SAMDEN) on Thursday. It made the calls in a media statement issued on the occasion of International Day to End Impunity for Crimes against Journalists, November 2. SAMDEN paid tributes to the journalists who work tirelessly, courageously and professionally to report on and defend human rights throughout the world, and all those who work for substantive equality. Also, over 30 journalists have been targeted and killed in 2017, including the recent attacks on journalists in Kenya, Malta, India and Pakistan.

Source: Dhaka Tribune November 02, 2017 16:07 UTC