The International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) has joined its affiliate, the Iraqi Journalists Syndicate (IJS), in its demand for a full and transparent investigation into the death of Iraqi journalist Raed al-Juburi, who was found dead in his Baghdad home last Tuesday 5 May. According to media reports, Raed al-Juburi, who hosted a TV show on Al-Rasheed channel and wrote a column in Azzaman newspaper, was found dead with a bullet wound to his heart in his home in Baghdad's Qadisiyah neighborhood. An Iraqi security spokesman was quoted as telling reporters that a preliminary investigation had suggested Juburi might have committed suicide, but the IJS has firmly condemned the claim, saying it might hinder the investigation. IFJ supports the IJS' position in this case. "The IFJ mourns the death of our colleague Raed al-Juburi and urges for a swift explanation of his demise," said IFJ President Jim Boumelha. "We call on the national authorities to conduct a full and transparent investigation as soon as possible and to make it public in order to counter the intimidation and fear spreading among and journalists' community in Baghdad following his death." Iraq remains one of the world' most dangerous countries with 31 media worker casualties in 2014, according to IFJ records.

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