The International Federation of Journalists today mourned the loss of the first journalist to die in the social unrest in Egypt. Journalist Ahmed Mohammed Mahmoud died in hospital  in Cairo from injuries sustained after he was shot in the eye by a sniper on Monday last week.

The journalist, aged 39, worked for the A’wada newspaper, a part of the Al Ahram media group. His death comes after a week of continuing unrest that has seen journalists and media staff among those targeted by groups loyal to the regime of President Hosni Mubarak.

“This loss is the inevitable tragedy and consequence of reckless violence and confrontation,” said Aidan White, IFJ General Secretary. “We send our condolences to Ahmed’s family and to all Egyptian colleagues.”

The IFJ is continuing to press for an end to violent targeting of journalists both local and foreign. Many have been beaten, taken hostage or intimidated as they have sought to cover the uprising against the Government of President Mubarak.  Local reporters have particular come under pressure as official television and news media have downplayed protests and been subject to censorship.

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