Death of Pakistani Cameraman a Ruthless and Targeted Killing, Says IFJ

The International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) has denounced the death of Munir Ahmed Sangi, cameraman for the Sindhi-language Kawaish Television Network (KTN) who was shot while reporting in Pakistan on May 29, 2006, as a ruthless and targeted killing.

Sangi had been covering a story on a gunfight between members of the Unar and Abro tribes in the town of Larkana, in South East Pakistan’s Sindh district when he was fatally shot.

“The death of a media colleague is sad enough, however the targeting of a media worker for performing his duty is even more shocking and is totally unacceptable,” IFJ president Christopher Warren said.

KTN had already broadcast the fight in which one person was killed. According to the Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists (PFUJ), an affiliate of the IFJ, Sangi may have been targeted because of reports by KTN and the Sindhi newspaper Kawaish of the punishment of a boy and girl by the Jirga, tribal council.

The Jirga has been proclaimed illegal by Pakistani courts, however in this case, the Jirga was allegedly held at the home of one of the Sindh Minister' Altaf Unar's house. Unar denies these allegations.

The PFUJ reports Sangi had previously covered similar stories and had received threats in the past because of his work.

Journalists have staged protests and demonstrations in Larkana in response to Sangi’s death.

The IFJ condemns this murder and supports the PFUJ in its labelling of it as a targeted killing, calling for more security and safety procedures for journalists to be established.

The IFJ demands a judicial inquiry into the incident and calls for the arrest and prosecution of those responsible for Sangi’s death.

“While violence, intimidation and journalists’ safety remains in question, a truly independent press in Pakistan is unattainable,” said Warren.

“The government of Pakistan must take stronger measures to ensure the safety and independence of journalists and stop these ruthless and senseless attacks.”

For more information please contact IFJ Asia Pacific +61 2 9333 0919

The IFJ represents more than 500,000 journalists in over 110 countries