U.N. says Iraq government responsible for protecting journalists
The Iraqi government is responsible for protecting foreign and local journalists, the United Nations said on Monday, after the Baghdad bureau chief for Reuters had to leave the country when he was threatened in reaction to a Reuters report. Ned Parker left Iraq last week after he was denounced by a Shi'ite paramilitary group's satellite news […]The Iraqi government is responsible for protecting foreign and local journalists, the United Nations said on Monday, after the Baghdad bureau chief for Reuters had to leave the country when he was threatened in reaction to a Reuters report. Ned Parker left Iraq last week after he was denounced by a Shi'ite paramilitary group's satellite news channel and threatened on Facebook in reaction to a report that detailed lynching and looting in the city of Tikrit. (reut.rs/1DGja2Q)
"It is incumbent on the Government to do all it can to ensure the protection of domestic and international journalists and media professionals in carrying out their duties, and to send the clear message that threats against media professionals are not acceptable," U.N. spokesman Stephane Dujarric said.
