The U.S. Calls for an End to Impunity for Perpetrators of Crimes Against Journalists

The U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations expressed concern over the rising violence and attacks against journalists worldwide in a statement marking the 'International Day to End Impunity for Crimes Against Journalists.' Linda Thomas-Greenfield emphasized that journalists around the world, especially in war zones like Gaza, Sudan, and Ukraine, risk their lives to report the truth. According to Thomas-Greenfield, nearly 800 journalists were detained last year in 45 countries, with over 500 still imprisoned or under house arrest. The U.S. Ambassador also noted UNESCO statistics indicating that of more than 1,700 journalist murders in the past three decades, only one in ten perpetrators has faced punishment. The statement called on the international community to take steps towards accountability and justice for crimes against journalists by implementing the UN's action plan for journalist safety. She also highlighted the Biden-Harris administration's efforts to free journalists like Evan Gershkovich and Alsu Kurmashova, reaffirming the U.S. commitment to supporting the freedom and safety of journalists, particularly calling for the release of Austin Tice, an American journalist held captive by the Syrian regime. Linda Thomas-Greenfield concluded by stating that journalists must be able to continue their work without fear and contribute to improving the world by disseminating the truth. The 'Human Rights Campaign in Iran' reports that at least 34 journalists and media activists have been detained by the Islamic Republic since the beginning of this year. Among them, at least 7 journalists, including Elaheh Mohammadi and Niloufar Hamedi, who were arrested for reporting on the death of Mahsa Amini while in the custody of the morality police, remain in prison. Investigations by this human rights organization also show that since January 1, 2023, more than 281 legal cases have been filed against journalists, reporters, and media activists. The Human Rights Campaign in Iran, on the occasion of the International Day to End Impunity for Crimes Against Journalists, reported based on internal documents that Iranian authorities are taking arbitrary actions to suppress and intimidate journalists, such as deactivating their phone SIM cards or blocking their bank accounts. Iran is one of the top 10 prisons in the world for journalists. Amnesty International has issued a warning about the 'ruthless crackdown' in Iran. Morgan Ortagus stated that authoritarian governments in China, Venezuela, and Iran have used the COVID-19 pandemic as a pretext to attack journalists. The U.S. has accused a senior IRGC official of involvement in a plot to assassinate Masih Alinejad.