In its report covering the first half of 2013, the Press Emblem Campaign (PEC) covering the first half of 2013 says that fewer journalists were killed as compared to the same period last year, but that more journalists were kidnapped.
In six months, since January, 56 journalists were killed in 23 countries as compared to 75 during the same period last year, representing a reduction of 25 percent, a release from PEC states.
"This decrease in casualties is a source of satisfaction", said PEC Secretary-General Blaise Lempen. He hopes that this trend will continue thanks to the efforts of NGOs, media organizations, the United Nations and governments.
Last year, a record number of journalists were killed: 141.
“There is an improvement compared to 2012, but if we compare the statistics with the first six months of 2011: 54 killed, 2010 : 59 killed and 2009 : 53 killed, we notice a stability of two journalists killed per week”, added Lempen. "It is too much and we need to continue fighting for more security and access in zones of conflict and less impunity".
The latest casualty is from Egypt during an anti-regime protest. The PEC condemns this killing and calls upon Egyptian security forces to provide additional safety measures for journalists during the difficult times of reporting.
(C) Politico 05/07/13
