Why are journalists increasingly becoming a target? | Inside Story

It’s becoming ever more risky to be a journalist in today’s world.

Two suicide attacks in Afghanistan killed at least 9 journalists on Monday.

Another journalist was killed later that day.

The UN has documented the killing of 14 journalists in Afghanistan since last year alone.

But the issue is not unique to that country, reporters from North Korea, to Syria,Turkey and Eritrea face threats every day.

According to the World Press Freedom Index, North Korea ranks at the bottom, while Norway, Sweden and the Netherlands round up the top three.

But Europe has seen the steepest decline in the regional rankings.

Malta is now ranked 65th – down by 18 points and Slovakia 27th – down by 10.

In both countries, high-profile journalists were recently murdered.

The U.S. has slipped two places to 45th – the report partly blames what it calls violent rhetoric from President Trump.

Myanmar, which has forced out hundreds of thousands of Rohingya – has also slipped.

It’s now ranked 137th, with the government intensifying arrests and prosecutions of journalists.

Middle East and North Africa has been rated the worst region for journalists.

Rights groups have reported an unparalleled crackdown on Egypt’s media in recent years.

Among those in jail is Al Jazeera’s journalist Mahmoud Hussein, who’s been in prison for nearly 500 days without charge.

So, is press freedom under attack?

Presenter: Elizabeth Puranam

Guests:

Sami Abu Salem – Freelance Journalist for WAFA National News Agency and member of the Palestinian Journalists’ Syndicate.

Benjamin Zawacki – Southeast Asia Analyst and Human Rights Advocate.

Christophe Deloire – Secretary General, Reporters Without Borders

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