Haqnawaz Shinwari
ISLAMABAD
The United States said on Saturday that more than 350 journalists have been killed since the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) established the International Day to End Impunity for Crimes against Journalists in December 2014, according to data from the Committee to Protect Journalists.
According to a statement issued by Matthew Miller, the spokesperson of US State Department, in connection with the “International Day to End Impunity for Crimes Against Journalists” said that US is committed to help international community and global leaders to ending impunity for crimes against journalists.
“We call on the global community to unite in holding accountable those who direct and perpetrate violence, harassment, and intimidation against media workers,” said US official and added that United States is committed to continued partnership with the media freedom coalition and our partners in the global human rights community to promote accountability for those who carry out violence against journalists simply for doing their jobs.
Matthew Miller maintained that corruption and abuse of power thrive where the free and independent press is suppressed, adding that violence, spurious detentions, harassment, and acts of intimidation against media workers carry a tangible harm to both the individual and to society at large.
The spokesperson of US State Department furthered that combating impunity for violence against journalists is a key line of effort under the Department’s Journalism Protection Platform, announced at the first Summit for Democracy.
“US calls on governments globally to bring to justice those responsible for crimes against journalists, so that they may continue their important work shining the light of truth free from fear of violence or harassment,” the statement said.
