The International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) has learnt with great sadness the death of its treasurer Uli Remmel.
Uli died at the age of 54. He was elected treasurer of the IFJ in 2007 and elected on the Executive Committee in 2004. In a letter to the President of Uli's union, the Deutscher Journalisten-Verband, the IFJ General Secretary Aidan White and the President Jim Boumelha wrote:
"Dear Michael,
The news of the sudden death of our dear colleague and friend Uli Remmel comes as a terrible shock to the IFJ to our staff, to all members of the Executive Committee and to the wider IFJ membership across the world.
Uli's death touches us all. It reminds us how fragile our lives are and how we must never take for granted the devotion, commitment and generous spirit which drives our movement.
Uli illustrated these virtues in all of his work.
He was a wise and thoughtful treasurer, showing courage and honesty by asking unions at home and abroad to take their union responsibilities seriously. He demonstrated the essence of solidarity with colleagues around the world and was a militant in the cause of social justice and workers' rights.
Only a few days ago he responded to an emergency appeal by me to travel to Tunisia where a terrible schism threatens the solidarity of journalists. He did not hesitate to take up the task. His determination to defend the freedoms upon which we all rely and his readiness to provide practical support to colleagues in need was inspirational.
As treasurer he was not afraid to take tough decisions, as a trade unionist he demonstrated the real meaning of international solidarity at a time when it is desperately needed and as a friend he was loyal and honest. He has done great credit to himself, his union and the IFJ through his work.
We are suffering a tragic loss. It is a loss too shocking for us to comprehend at the moment, but we send condolences to his family to his friends and to his union. We shall miss him terribly."
Jim Boumelha, IFJ President
Aidan White, IFJ General Secretary