JAK Seeks Support from Int'l Media Community for Safety of Journalists in Conflict-Ridden Areas





Lee also stressed the need for stepped-up solidarity and alliance among international media organizations, including the International Federation of Journalists (IFJ), and journalists to ensure the safety of journalists while covering conflict-ridden areas. "Special heed should be paid to all journalists in Iraq and other areas with conflict."

In the wake of the killing of Korean hostage Kim Sun-il in Iraq last week, a dozen of Korean journalists were reportedly unable to cover the area properly and tried to return home at the recommendation of their Korean government, but they could not get tickets, according to news reports.

On June 22, the JAK sent an URGENT e-mail to the IFJ and other major international media organizations, calling for an immediate and safe release of Kim Sun-il, a South Korean civilian abducted by Iraqi militants.

In video footage that was aired by the Qatar-based pan-Arab satellite television station, Al-Jazeera, the Iraqi insurgents threatened to behead Kim unless the Korean government drops its additional troop deployment plan within 24 hours. Kim was killed hours after the 24-hour deadline of 2 a.m. June 22 passed.

The JAK also reaffirmed its basic position that such inhumane acts of abduction and beheading of innocent civilians couldn't be justified for any reasons, while urging international media organizations and journalists around the world to pay special attention to journalists' safety in areas with ongoing conflict.