11 journalists killed since 2011: rights group

Eleven journalists have been killed in Egypt over the past three years, according to a report by the Arab Network for Human Rights Information (ANHRI), which recorded deaths between January 28, 2011 and March 28, 2014.

The report laments the immunity extended to those who targeted journalists following the January 25 revolution.

ANHRI holds the government responsible; not only for the deaths of journalists, but for inciting violence against journalists and failing to impose harsh punishments on those who have targeted them.

The report also condemns the detention of journalists for extended periods without charge, and suggests the political affiliations of particular media companies affects the judicial process. “If you are an oppositional paper or journalist, it might take months or years to punish perpetrators… If you are a journalist belonging to or supporting the ruling regime, then the justice system acts faster.” 

The 11 journalists were targeted merely for doing their jobs, carrying a camera and being present during clashes, the report claims, adding that, prominent journalists and those with familiar faces are more at risk of mob attacks.

Hundreds of other journalists were subjected to physical assaults and other practices that violated their freedoms and prevented them from doing their jobs, the rights group said.

The report lists the names of the journalists killed, along with the newspapers they worked for, and the dates and details of where they died.

ANHRI says protecting journalists is the state’s responsibility, since they are not participants in political conflicts, even if they lean towards a particular perspective.

The rights group recommends that transparent and fair investigations are held and that those responsible for violence against journalists are held to account for their actions. As such, ANHRI called on the General Prosecutor to order the government to reveal any information necessary for identifying those responsible for the deaths of journalists.

The report further suggests steps are taken to reduce animosity between journalists and the public and provide journalists with protective gear that clearly marks them in conflict areas, although it also urged journalists not to incite anger and bias or publish false information.

Finally, it called for legislation against attacks on journalists by security forces and training by media companies for their staff on operating in conflict zones.