The International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) has advised journalists covering events in Iraq to remain vigilant at all times following the murder of journalist Khalid Hamada yesterday, Sunday 15 June. According to IFJ affiliate, the Iraqi Journalists’ Syndicate (IJS), Hamada, a cameraman for Alahd TV, was killed in the Aladhem district, in Iraq’s Dyali province, while covering fighting between government forces and terrorist groups. His colleague Mutaz Hassan, who is a reporter for Alahd, was severely wounded in the same incident. “We offer our deepest condolences and respects to the family of the murdered journalist Khalid Hamada,” said IFJ President Jim Boumelha. “And we also send a message of support to Mutaz Hassan and his loved ones. “We call on all sides involved in the fighting currently taking place in Iraq to respect the rights and freedoms of journalists reporting on events. Journalists must be allowed to reports on what is happening without the threat of harm.” Stressing that media safety is of paramount importance, Boumelha added: “We also call on media owners to protect their journalists and to ensure they are not placed in dangerous situations, while we urge any journalists covering events to remain vigilant at all times and take every measure necessary to ensure their safety.” For more information, please contact IFJ on +32 2 235 22 17 The IFJ represents more than 600 000 journalists in 134 countries