The Network of Peace Journalists has advocated for the enactment of laws to protect journalists from impunity, torture, and physical attacks perpetrated by thugs and aggrieved groups.
Team leader of the NPJ, Ibrahim Yakubu, made this call in a statement on Thursday to mark 2023 International Day to End Impunity for Crimes Against Journalists.
He called for the release of all journalists in captivity across the globe.
The group noted that ending impunity for crimes against journalists is one of the most pressing issues that will ensure freedom of expression and access to information for all citizens worldwide
He observed that journalists across the world face numerous threats, including kidnapping, torture, physical attacks, and harassment, particularly in the digital sphere.
Yakubu not in the statement that cases of killed and missing journalists are becoming increasingly agonizing in society, while identifying the urgent need for the enactment of laws to protect journalists from all forms of threats and intimidation.
“Recently, a journalist was killed in Zamfara State, Nigeria, and over 20 journalists have been killed in Israel and Palestine this year,” the statement noted.
The NPJ urged all security agents worldwide not to give room for themselves to be used to suppress, oppress, and intimidate journalists, urging paramilitary forces to intensify their efforts in protect citizens and journalists across the globe.
Yakubu said, “Journalists play a crucial role in shedding light on the growth and shortcomings of a country and serve as the voice of the masses. They should be allowed to carry out their duties.”
Impunity leads to more killings and is often a symptom of worsening conflict and the breakdown of law and judicial systems.
Threats of violence and attacks against journalists create a climate of fear for media professionals, impeding the free circulation of information, opinions, and ideas for all citizens, noting that women journalists, in particular, are impacted by threats and attacks, especially those made online.
The NPJ thanked the Committee for the Protection of Journalists, the Press Council of Nigeria, and other human rights organizations for their commitment to protecting journalists.
Urging citizens to remain patriotic, the NPJ also urged everyone to refrain from promoting fake news.
