IFJ Mourns Journalist Killed by Bomb Blast in Iraq

The International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) today joined its Iraqi syndicate in paying tribute to journalist Farqad Husseini who was killed in a car bomb explosion on Sunday. The bomb went off in Al Hobobi Area, Al Kornish Street in the center of al Nasiriyah city.

"We all mourn the tragic death of Farqad which is another reminder of the risks our colleagues in Iraq continue to face in their daily work," said Jim Boumelha, IFJ President. "Those who deliberately seek to harm unsuspecting members of the public, including journalists, need to be condemned and hunted down to answer for their actions."

The Iraqi Journalists' Syndicate (IJS) also condemned the journalist's killing and called for stronger measures to provide media staff with security in Iraq.  Farqad Husseini, who worked for many media organisations in Dhi Qar province, was editor-in-chief of Al Adwa newspaper, the IJS said.

The IFJ backs the union's warning to journalists not to take risks in dangerous zones, saying their physical safety is of paramount importance.

"There is still considerable interest in the development of the Iraqi situation but the union's advice to its members is sound," added Boumelha. "No story is worth a journalist's life and people should not take unnecessary risks to their safety and even life."

For more information, please contact IFJ on + 32 2 235 22 07
The IFJ represents more than 600.000 journalists in 134 countries