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IFJ calls for journalists’ safety in Iraq following another killing by the Islamic State
The International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) joins its affiliate, the Iraqi Journalists’ Syndicate (IJS), in its demand for strengthening the safety of journalists in Iraq following the killing of photojournalist Jala al-Abadi in Mosul, capital of Nineveh province in northern Iraq, on July 15 by the Islamic State (IS).
The father of two worked as a cameraman for Al Mosuliya TV before joining Nineveh Media Network as a photojournalist.
Jala al-Abadi was abducted from his home on June 4 and shot dead on July 15 by IS on charges of spying on IS forces’ activities inside Mosul, IJS reports.
“We call on all relevant authorities to provide protection for journalists reporting on the ground,” said IJS president Moaid Allami. “We also call on journalists and media workers to take all necessary precautions and avoid reporting from conflict areas and dangerous cities for the sake of their safety.”
This is the 3rd killing of journalists in Iraq this year following the killing of Iraqi photographer Adnan Abdul Razzaq, allegedly murdered by the Islamic State (IS) in Mosul, and reporter Ali Ansari, fatally hit while covering the fight between the Iraqi army and the IS in Mykdadyah, north of Baghdad.
“We will relentlessly stand by those who struggle for telling the truth in a country where reporting on the ground entails constant life threats”, said IFJ President Jim Boumelha. “We extend our condolences to Jala al-Abadi’s family and friends and call on the Iraqi government and international authorities to provide the necessary measures to strengthen our colleagues’ safety in the country.”
The IFJ is involved in a major safety training programme in the region. For more information on the regional programme and safety guidelines, visit the IFJ Arabic website and download the Safety Handbook (in Arabic) for journalists in the Arab World and the Middle East.