90pc of journalist murders go unpunished: Guterres

KABUL (Pajhwok): On the International Day to End Impunity for Crimes against Journalists, the UN secretary-general said nine out of 10 murders of journalists go unpunished.

António Guterres wrote on X: “Worldwide, an estimated 9 out of 10 murders of journalists go unpunished. Impunity breeds further violence.”

He stressed: “This must change. I call on governments to take urgent steps to protect journalists, investigate crimes against them and prosecute perpetrators – everywhere.”

On November 2, the dangers faced by journalists, including risks to their lives, are highlighted each year.

This year, the International Day coincides with the biannual UNESCO Director-General’s Report on the Safety of Journalists and the Issue of Impunity, which recorded a 38 per cent increase in the number of journalist killings compared to the previous study.

Guterres pointed out that Gaza had seen the highest number of killings of journalists and media workers in any war in decades.

sa/mud