05 International


Te union continues to call for an end to the impunity enjoyed by perpetrators of crimes against journalists


Fight for justice Twenty-three years on from the murder of NUJ member and Sunday World journalist Martin O’Hagan, those suspected of ordering and carrying out his murder have not been brought to justice for their actions. For over two decades, the NUJ has led calls for an independent inquiry into O’Hagan’s killing, a murder witnessed by his wife Marie in a callous act of violence. Commited to seeking justice, last month Michelle Stanistreet and Séamus Dooley wrote once again to political leaders including Hilary Benn, Secretary of State for Northern Ireland and to Keir


Starmer, calling for an independent investigation led by an international figure into both O’Hagan’s murder and the subsequent investigation that took place. Dooley said, “Te failure to properly investigate has cast a long shadow and continues to embolden those who seek to silence journalists.”


Afghanistan Te three years following the Talban’s return to power in Afghanistan have resulted in a shatering impact on media. Restrictions on reporting and the erosion of rights have worsened in recent months, with new rules


including those focused on silencing women’s voices in public spaces described by some as contributing to a ‘gender apartheid’. Te International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) has noted: “Te Taliban’s unremiting censorship, harassment, discrimination and draconian restrictions have decimated the media landscape.” Te NUJ will continue to call for improved protections for journalists under a regime that has proved stifling to press freedom and journalism.


Israel- Gaza war


7 October marked a year since Hamas’ terrorist atack and according to records complied by the IFJ, at least 136 journalists have been killed since the start of war. Four Israeli and five Lebanese journalists are among the casualties, with the overwhelming majority of deaths Palestinian journalists killed by Israeli air strikes whilst reporting from Gaza. NUJ members have been


generous with donations, helping provide essential equipment to journalists on the ground. Te NUJ’s National Executive Council has voiced its horror at realities facing journalists on the ground, calling for a cessation of hostilities, and an end to the impunity enjoyed by Israel in its targeting of journalists.


SOLIDARITY


Martin O’Hagan


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