South Asian journalist unions condemn brutal murder of US journalist James Foley

South Asia’s journalist unions today united in their condemnation of the brutal murder of US journalist James Foley in the Middle East. Foley, a respected international photojournalist who had previously survived a kidnapping in Libya, was killed by ISIS militants and his murder circulated to the world via a video on the internet on August 19.

South Asia’s journalist unions, denounced the ISIS action as an affront to journalism globally that must be dealt with swiftly. So far this year, 67 journalists have lost their lives and the Middle East remains an extremely dangerous environment for media personnel and journalists. Foley went to Syria because he wanted to ‘nail down the facts’ and ‘see the world’.

Uppala Lakshman President of the National Union of Journalists (India) said “We condemn the brutal killing, and call for the creation of a code of conduct for journalists internationally stationed.”

SN Sinha President of the Indian Journalists Union said, “This shameful and cowardly act highlights the grave threats that journalists face while covering conflict situations. They demanded the unconditional release of Mr. Steven Satloff.”

Tara Baysal, Vice President of the NUJN said “The culprits must be brought in judiciary frame as soon as possible and these kinds of activities should immediately be stopped in Iraq.”

Ch.Purnachandra Rao, Vice President of the AINEF said “He urged the UN to come forward and take necessary steps to protect the Fourth Estate, its journalists immediately. He also expressed his dis-satisfaction to the respective Governments as they are spectators of the attacks on the Journalists.” he added.

Ketabullah Khpolwak Sapai, President of AIJA said “The attack was inhumane, unethical and illegal and we condemn the violence of the ISIS forces.”

IFJ Asia-Pacific Acting Director, Jane Worthington, said “The IFJ condemns the brutal murder of James Foley and calls for the immediate release of US journalist Steven Sotloff also featured in the ISIS video on August 20. Foley’s murder highlights the serious dangers and challenges that confront our profession today. The world has great cause for concern when the voices of journalists and freedom of expression are extinguished in such a brutal manner.”

• Afghan Independent Journalists Association
• All Indian Newspaper Employees Federation
• Bangladesh Manobadhikar Sangbadik Forum
• Bhutan Journalists Association
• Federation of Nepalese Journalists
• Indian Journalists Union
• National Union of Journalists, India
• National Union of Journalists, Nepal
• Maldives Association of Journalists
• Sri Lanka Working Journalists Association
• Pakistan Federal Journalists Union

Written By

IFJ Asia-Pacific

The IFJ represents more than 600,000 journalists in 140 countries.
For further information contact IFJ Asia-Pacific on +61 2 9333 0946
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