The International Federation of Journalists (FIP), to which the Federation of Associations of Journalists of Spain (FAPE) belongs, has recorded 60 murders of journalists and media personnel in 2020 in targeted attacks, bomb explosions and fire incidents crossed in 16 countries around the world, representing 11 more victims than in 2019. Since 1990, the IFJ has recorded 2,676 murders of journalists worldwide.
As reported by FAPE, IFJ records show that the current number of murders of media professionals is at the same levels as in 1990, when the IFJ began publishing annual reports on murdered journalists and media personnel. The highest records were in the mid-1990s and mid-2000s.
Organized crime cartels, extremist insurgencies and sectarian violence continue to spread terror among journalists, dozens of whom have paid the ultimate price for independent reporting around the world.
In this regard, “the year 2020 has not been an exception,” according to FAPE. “The ruthless reign of organized crime in Mexico, the violence of extremists in Pakistan, Afghanistan and Somalia, as well as the intolerance of hardliners in India and the Philippines have contributed to the continued bloodshed in the media. “laments the federation.
In particular, on this year’s list is the murder of Russian journalist Irina Slavina, a case that has highlighted the level of desperation and utter discouragement at the attack on media professionals. The Koza Press editor set herself on fire in the city of Nijni-Novgorod to protest against the intimidation and harassment campaign to silence her. Slavina died, but not before blaming the authorities as responsible for her action, explains the FAPE.
“The trends in our publications in the last 30 years, but also in 2020, make it clear to everyone that there is no room for complacency. On the contrary, they are an urgent call to redouble our mobilization efforts for greater protection of / journalists and a commitment to the safe practice of journalism, “says IFJ Secretary General Anthony Bellanger.
As of December 3, 2020, the IFJ points to Asia-Pacific as the most dangerous region, with 27 murders, followed by Latin America, with 17 cases. Arab and Middle Eastern countries recorded 8 deaths, while 6 murders were counted in Africa and 2 in Europe.
In its country rankings in 2020, Mexico tops the list for the fourth time in five years with 14 murders, followed by India (8), Afghanistan (7), Pakistan (7), the Philippines (4) and Syria (4), while that Iraq and Nigeria recorded 3 murders each. There were also two murders in Somalia. Finally, a journalist was killed in Bangladesh, as well as in Cameroon, Colombia, Honduras, Paraguay, Russia, Sweden and Yemen.
