36 journos die for their work

2004-01-02 21:24

New York - Thirty-six journalists were killed worldwide as a direct result of their work last year, a sharp increase from the 19 killed in 2002, according to figures released on Friday.

The New York-based Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) said the war in Iraq was the main reason for the surge. Thirteen journalists were killed in hostile action while covering the war there.

The death toll in Iraq was the highest annual total from a single country since 1995, when 24 journalists were killed in Algeria.

"The war that began in March posed many hazards for journalists, but seasoned war correspondents tell us that even in the postwar period Iraq remains the most dangerous assignment they have ever had," said CPJ executive director Ann Cooper.

Outside Iraq, nearly all journalists were deliberately targeted, often because of their critical reporting, said CPJ.

Five journalists were killed in the Philippines for covering local corruption or criticising public officials.

In Russia, the editor-in-chief of an independent newspaper, known for its aggressive reporting, was stabbed to death outside his home. He was the paper's second editor-in-chief to be murdered in 18 months. - Sapa-DPA

- SAPA